Graduate-level courses emphasize critical thinking and analysis, reasoning, making judgement based on factual evidence, reflections on prior learning, and application to context. As such, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., generative text tools) is permitted only in limited and transparent ways.
Permitted Uses
Students may use AI tools for:
- Brainstorming or generating initial ideas
- Organizing outlines or structuring written work
- Clarifying general concepts or terminology
Prohibited Uses
Students may not use AI tools to:
- Generate substantive content, formulations, or intervention plans
- Write reflection papers, case analyses, or rationales
- Produce final drafts or large portions of graded assignments
- Replace personal reflection, ideas, or engagement with course materials
Student Responsibility
All submitted work must reflect the student’s own thinking and analysis, reasoning, judgement based on factual evidence, reflections, and application to context. Students must be able to explain and defend all aspects of their work orally if requested. Work that is highly polished but lacks evidence of developmental thinking, revision, or engagement with feedback may not receive the highest grades.
Transparency and Accountability
If AI tools are used in permitted ways, students are encouraged to briefly note this (e.g., “AI was used to assist with outlining”). Failure to adhere to this policy may be considered a violation of academic integrity and penalties for academic misconduct may apply.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tool Student FAQ’s
This FAQ is designed to clarify how AI tools may and may not be used in this course. If students are unsure, ask before submitting work.
- Am I allowed to use AI tools in this course?
Yes, but in limited ways. AI tools may be used as assistive tools, not as substitutes for your thinking, reasoning, or reflection.
- What kinds of AI use are permitted?
You may use AI tools to:
- Brainstorm topic ideas
- Create outlines or organize sections
- Clarify general concepts or definitions
- Help reword unclear sentences after you have written your own content
Think of AI as similar to a grammar checker or brainstorming partner, not a practitioner or co-author.
- What kinds of AI use are NOT permitted?
You may not use AI tools to:
- Write reflection papers or personal responses
- Generate formulations, intervention plans, or rationales
- Produce analysis of social, economic, or environmental contexts
- Write large portions of any graded assignment
- Replace your own thinking, judgment, or self-reflection
If AI is doing the thinking or deciding for you, it is being used inappropriately.
- Why are these limits in place?
Graduate -level courses are designed to help you develop:
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Reasoning
- Making judgements based on factual evidence
- Making application to context
These are core competencies that students develop in graduate-level programs that cannot be delegated to AI. Learning to sit with uncertainty, revise ideas, and justify decisions is part of professional training.
- How does this apply to reflection papers?
Reflection papers must be:
- Personally grounded
- Specific to your experiences in class or group sessions
- Written in your own voice
AI-generated reflections tend to be generic and will not receive high marks. You should expect to write reflections without AI assistance, other than minor proofreading.
- What about the scaffolded assignments with preliminary drafts?
The scaffolded structure (drafts + feedback + revisions) is intentional.
You are expected to:
- Show how your thinking evolves
- Respond meaningfully to feedback
- Explain why you made certain changes
AI tools struggle to track feedback over time. If your final submission does not reflect earlier feedback or appears disconnected from prior work, this will affect your grade.
- Do I have to disclose AI use?
If you used AI in a permitted way, a brief note is encouraged (e.g., “AI was used to help generate an outline”). Disclosure will not lower your grade. Lack of transparency may raise concerns.
- How will instructors know if AI was used improperly?
Improper AI use often shows up as:
- Overly polished writing with vague or generic content
- Inconsistencies between drafts and final submissions
- Inability to explain or defend submitted work
- Work that does not reflect feedback provided
- Work looks similar to content produced by other students
You may be asked to clarify or discuss your work orally if concerns arise.
- What happens if AI use crosses the line?
If inappropriate AI use is suspected:
- You may be asked to explain your work
- You may be asked to revise or resubmit
- In serious cases, the issue may be handled under the university’s academic integrity policy
The goal is learning and accountability, not punishment.
- What’s the simplest rule of thumb?
Ask yourself: “Could I explain this work, defend my decisions, and revise it without AI?” If the answer is yes, you’re likely within course expectations.
- What if I’m unsure whether something is allowed?
When in doubt:
- Ask your instructor before submitting
- Err on the side of using less AI, not more