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Generative AI Guidelines
Generative AI is a category of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that generate new outputs, based on the data on which they have been trained, in the form of images, text, audio, and more. Generative AI tools require enhanced caution and care in their use because any bias or incorrect information in the training data will be replicated in the content that is generated.
Generative AI tools predict what word or part of an image comes next based on its training data. This makes them good at predicting natural speech, but they are not thinking. You are still needed to do the synthesizing, evaluating, and understanding.
When the use of generative AI is permitted by your instructor or employer, use it to work with you, not for you.
Can I Use Generative AI Tools in My Course?
- Each of your instructors will determine if and how generative AI can be used in their course. Read your course outlines and assignment instructions carefully.
- If your instructor does not permit the use of generative AI in their course or in certain components of their course, it is considered academic misconduct if you use it.
Using Generative AI Tools
- Generative AI tools will plagiarize directly from other sources. If you submit plagiarized work generated by a generative AI tool, you are responsible for the plagiarism and it is considered academic misconduct. This applies even if your instructor permitted the use of generative AI in the assignment.
- Generative AI tools will generate incorrect information and will make up citations to sources that do not exist. You are responsible for the accuracy of any AI-generated content that you submit in a course.
When using generative AI tools:
- You must cite and/or acknowledge the use of generative AI in any coursework:
- Don’t upload someone’s intellectual property into a generative AI tool without their permission. This includes, but is not limited to, course materials such as lecture notes, assignments, videos, quizzes, etc, articles, textbook chapters, and assignments completed by other students.
- Maintain your data privacy and security. Don’t use your Laurier credentials (email address and password) when creating an account on a generative AI tool.
Sample Statement:
I acknowledge the use of [insert AI system(s) and link] to [specific use of generative artificial intelligence]. The prompts used include [list of prompts].
The output from these prompts was used to [explain use].
Example 1:
I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to generate materials for background research and self-study in the drafting of this assessment.
I entered the following prompts on [insert date]: Insert prompt.
Example 2:
The output from the generative artificial intelligence was adapted and modified for the final response. I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to generate materials that were included within my final assessment in modified form.
I entered the following prompts on [insert date]: Insert prompt.
Example 3:
I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to refine the academic language and accuracy of my own work. On [insert date] I submitted my entire essay [link to original document here] with the instruction to “Improve the academic tone and accuracy of language, including grammatical structures, punctuation and vocabulary”. The output [link to output] was then modified further to better represent my own tone and style of writing.
Sample Statement:
No content generated by generative AI has been used in this assessment.
Modules
As a student, knowing what to do with gen AI chatbots like ChatGPT and CoPilot can be tricky. You may have concerns about academic misconduct, plagiarism, and questions about the ethical implications of using gen AI chatbots in your coursework. These are worthy concerns, and it is worth taking time to learn more about how gen AI tools work and appropriate ways to approach them in your coursework.
These three modules work together to help you learn effective and ethical ways to approach gen AI chatbots in your course work. Each module addresses a question you might be asking yourself:
- Module 1: Can I Use Gen AI Chatbots in My Assignments?
- Module 2: What Are Some Effective Approaches to Using Gen AI Chatbots When It’s Allowed?
- Module 3: How Do I Cite Gen AI Chatbots?
By completing these modules through the Self-Registration on MyLearningSpace, you’ll build your gen AI literacy skills as a student in university. The links above are previews of the modules only.
If you have any questions about the content you learn, you can contact the Library, or Student Success at studentsuccess@wlu.ca.
"Gen AI and Writing" Campus Workshops
Want help understanding the opportunities and risks of AI in your writing process? This workshop introduces students to the responsible and strategic use of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Gemini, and others in academic contexts. You'll explore how generative AI can support different stages of the writing process from brainstorming to revision, while also critically examining the ethical and academic risks involved.
- Ideal for: Courses where you are expected to engage with AI tools or where you're concerned about academic integrity and the writing process.
- Registration: Register for the in-person sessions through the Student Success Portal.
Brantford Sessions
- Sept. 24 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Reseach and Academic Centre, room RCE 217
- Oct. 23 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Reseach and Academic Centre, room RCE 217
Milton Session
- Oct. 2 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Milton Campus Classroom, room MAC121
Waterloo Sessions
- Sept. 23 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in second floor Peters Building, room in P224
- Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to noon in second floor Peters Building, room P224
Virtual Session
- Oct. 20 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Zoom