Academic Integrity and Ethical Use of AI

1. Use AI as a Learning Tool, Not a Substitute

• AI can assist with brainstorming, summarizing, or explaining concepts, but it should not replace independent critical thinking and research.
• Students should cite sources and verify AI-generated information for accuracy.

2. Avoid Misinformation and AI "Hallucinations"

• AI sometimes generates incorrect or misleading information. Always fact-check with reliable academic sources.
• Example: If AI provides a statistic, verify it using a scholarly database or a trusted website before including it in academic work.

3. Cite AI When Required

• Different institutions have varying policies on AI use. Some professors may require students to disclose when AI is used for assignments.
• Suggested citation format (APA 7th edition):
  OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Feb 13 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/

4. Be Aware of Bias in AI

• AI models are trained on vast amounts of data, which may include biases. Always critically evaluate AI-generated responses to ensure fairness and accuracy.

AI and Copyright

As AI-generated content becomes more common in education and research, questions about copyright and ownership arise. Copyright laws were designed to protect human creativity, but AI-generated works exist in a legal gray area.

Who Owns AI-Generated Content?

• In the United States, copyright law generally requires human authorship. AI-generated text, images, or code cannot be copyrighted unless a human has significantly modified or contributed to the work.
• Some companies claim ownership of content created using their AI models. Always check the terms of service of an AI tool before using its output in academic or professional work.

Can You Use AI-Generated Content Freely?

• AI models are often trained on existing copyrighted materials. If an AI-generated response closely resembles or copies a copyrighted work, using it without attribution may violate copyright laws.
• Some AI tools provide citations or sources, but these should always be verified for accuracy before use in academic work.

Best Practices for Using AI Content Ethically

1. Treat AI as a Tool, Not a Creator – If you use AI-generated content in a project, clearly cite the AI tool (see our Citing AI section).
2. Avoid Using AI to Replicate Copyrighted Work – AI should not be used to generate content that mimics an existing copyrighted work (e.g., rewriting a book or article verbatim).
3. Check Institutional and Publisher Policies – Some academic institutions and publishers do not allow AI-generated content in published research or coursework. Always confirm before submission.

For further guidance, consult library resources or speak with a librarian about ethical AI use in research and coursework.

Applying These Practices on Campus

At CT State Northwestern, students and faculty can use these best practices to integrate AI into coursework and research responsibly:

• Students: Use AI for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and clarifying complex topics, when permitted by your instructor.
• Faculty: Experiment with AI for lesson planning, content summarization, or discussion prompts.
• Librarians: Support AI literacy by helping students evaluate AI-generated content and understand ethical considerations.

By following these best practices, the campus community can harness AI’s potential while maintaining academic integrity and critical thinking.