AI Policy

Generative artificial intelligence tools—including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, GitHub Copilot, and similar systems—can support learning when used thoughtfully and transparently. They can also interfere with learning when they replace the intellectual work an assignment is designed to develop.

Assignment-Specific Permission

Each assignment will indicate one of the following levels of permitted AI use:

  1. No AI: Generative AI tools may not be used.
  2. Limited AI: AI may be used only for the purposes identified in the assignment, such as brainstorming, clarifying concepts, or debugging.
  3. AI Permitted with Disclosure: AI may be used as a supporting tool, provided its use is documented.
  4. AI Integrated: Use of AI is an expected component of the assignment.

When an assignment does not specify a level, assume Limited AI: you may use AI to clarify course concepts, interpret error messages, and receive feedback on work you have already attempted. You may not use it to generate a complete solution or submission.

Appropriate Uses

When permitted, appropriate uses may include:

  • Asking for explanations of unfamiliar concepts
  • Brainstorming possible approaches
  • Requesting feedback on work you created
  • Interpreting error messages
  • Generating additional practice questions
  • Reviewing grammar, organization, or clarity
  • Comparing alternative solutions after developing your own
  • Using code-completion tools for routine syntax

Prohibited Uses

Unless explicitly authorized, students may not:

  • Submit AI-generated work as their own
  • Ask AI to complete an assignment or substantial portion of one
  • Copy AI-generated code, analysis, or writing without understanding and disclosing it
  • Use AI during quizzes, examinations, or other individual assessments
  • Use AI to avoid required research, reasoning, calculations, programming, or problem-solving
  • Upload confidential, copyrighted, personally identifiable, or institutionally protected information
  • Fabricate sources, data, quotations, results, experiments, citations, or development activity
  • Use AI in ways that violate another course or institutional policy

Disclosure Requirements

When AI use is permitted and materially influences a submission, include a brief disclosure describing:

  • The tool used
  • How it was used
  • The portions of the work it influenced
  • How the output was evaluated or modified

Example:

I used ChatGPT to suggest possible causes of an error in my data-loading function. I evaluated its suggestions, corrected the path-handling logic myself, and tested the revised function. No AI-generated code was copied directly.

If requested, students must also retain and submit relevant prompts and outputs.

Responsibility and Verification

AI systems can produce incorrect code, invented citations, biased conclusions, insecure recommendations, and convincing but false explanations. Students remain responsible for:

  • The accuracy and quality of everything they submit
  • Verifying facts, calculations, citations, and sources
  • Testing and understanding submitted code
  • Protecting private or restricted information
  • Explaining and defending their work

Students may be asked to explain their reasoning, reproduce part of a solution, modify their code, or discuss their development process. Inability to explain submitted work may affect the assessment of whether the course learning objectives have been demonstrated.

Collaboration and Academic Integrity

Using AI does not change the course’s collaboration rules. Work designated as individual must remain the student’s own intellectual work. Unauthorized or undisclosed AI use may be treated as unauthorized assistance under Furman University’s academic-integrity policies.

If you are uncertain whether a particular use is allowed, ask before submitting the assignment. Seeking clarification in advance will not be penalized.