A well-crafted AI policy balances academic integrity with preparing students for AI-augmented practice.
Key Principles
- Clarity: Students must understand exactly what is and is not permitted.
- Proportionality: Sanctions should be proportionate to the offence.
- Consistency: Apply the policy uniformly across all modules.
- Flexibility: Allow individual module leaders to set specific guidelines within the framework.
- Regular review: AI capabilities evolve rapidly; review the policy at least annually.
Graduated Framework
| Level | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited | Submitting AI-generated content as own work | Pasting ChatGPT output into an essay |
| Restricted | Using AI with mandatory disclosure | Using AI for initial research, disclosed in methodology |
| Permitted | Using AI as a study tool | Generating practice questions for revision |
| Encouraged | Engaging with AI as part of learning | Critically evaluating AI-generated legal analysis |
Implementation Steps
- Consult with staff, students, and the university's academic integrity team.
- Draft the policy with clear examples for each level.
- Provide training for staff on detection and enforcement.
- Communicate the policy clearly to students at induction.
- Review and update annually.