Guidelines for Students

There are varied ways artificial intelligence tools can be used in academic work. For students, the most important question to ask in a course context is “what has my instructor said about the ways AI tools can be used in this class or assignment?” Expectations and opportunities will differ from class to class, as each set of assignments is carefully designed toward particular learning goals.  Students should talk with their instructors, pay attention to policies on the syllabus, and note how assignment instructions reference technology use.

It is important for all of us to think critically about how AI affects writing and learning. Currently, there are no standard AI tools licensed by UVM and thus students may be encountering AI tools on their own. Generative AI tools can produce novel texts and images; they can provide summaries and synthesis; they can provide feedback and suggestions. There are risks involved in their use: genAI has been known to hallucinate facts, and there are many opportunities for bias to manifest in AI output.  It’s important to critically evaluate AI output.

UVM’s Undergraduate Writing Center and Howe Memorial Library have each created guides for students.   A core message in both guides is that students who use genAI appropriately will be using it in the process of thinking, learning, and exploring, rather than using it to avoid doing work. Making choices within the bounds of whatever course policies apply, being transparent about processes and ensuring that the work produced reflects thoughtful attention to assignment requirements will all lead to better learning.