Waldorf University recognizes that generative AI tools are increasingly used in many aspects of an individual’s personal and professional life. We encourage student exploration of AI tools and learning how these tools can best be utilized. We also expect that students will use AI tools in an ethical manner, and that all work a student submits for an assignment will clearly note if and how an AI tool aided in the creation of the assignment. While Waldorf works to finalize an official policy based on retaining the integrity, authorship, and originality of your work, the information below should help you in the immediate to navigate the use of Artificial Intelligence in your coursework.

AI-related Terms and Definitions

Artificial Intelligence (AI). Technology that enables computer systems to simulate learning, reasoning, decision making, and creativity.

AI Generative Tool. A type of artificial intelligence that can create new content to produce text, images videos, and other content based on patterns learned from existing data

Auto-Generate. To automatically create or produce content through programs or algorithms without human intervention.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Uses of AI

Unless assignment instructions specify otherwise, the use of generative AI tools (i.e. ChatGPT, Dall-e, Grammarly, etc.,) is permitted in Waldorf courses with proper citation for the following activities:

●        Brainstorming your ideas,

●        Refining your research questions,

●        Locating information on your topic,

●        Checking grammar and style, and

●        Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts (an outline is distinguished from a more formal draft of a final product).

The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:

●        Representing you in classroom contexts, such as using the tool to create and respond to discussion board prompts assigned to you

●        Auto-generating answers, responses, or components of answers or responses to any course exam

●        Auto-generating PowerPoints, charts, other course projects, in whole or in part

●        Auto-generating references or components of references

●        Writing a draft of a writing assignment or parts of a writing assignment

●        Writing or revising entire sentences, paragraphs, or papers to complete class assignments and assessments.

AI is best used to help conceptualize ideas and should not be used to complete classwork or projects from start to finish. All generative AI programs display fine-print disclaimers which encourage users to check for accuracy as AI can make mistakes and present inaccurate information.

AI Tool Use and Proper Citation

Waldorf University utilizes AI-detection software as part of the grading process. You are responsible for the information you submit on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws or contain misinformation or unethical content). When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification.

The permitted usage of AI tools must be documented and cited in proper APA, MLA, or other designated format to stay within university policies on academic honesty. For example, MLA suggests creating a citation entry or reference page at the end of any paper for any responses you quote or paraphrase from ChatGPT, as well as an in-text citation at the point where you include it in your text.

Although it may be tempting to use AI to help you write papers, respond to discussion board prompts, auto-generate PowerPoints, or other types of classwork; passing it off as your own work is inherently dishonest and is a violation of Waldorf’s academic integrity policy.

If you have questions about proper citation for generative AI tools, ask your instructor how they would prefer to see the citation and/or transcript.

A Note on Grammarly

Neither Artificial Intelligence (AI) use, nor its detection, are perfect in their current forms. AI, like Grammarly and ChatGPT, can be helpful in academic settings for university students.  However, the companies themselves acknowledge that if students use the services, especially improperly, they are at-risk of Academic Integrity Violations due to AI use. 

Students should be prepared to provide their Grammarly report to their instructor upon request.

A summary of Grammarly's public acknowledgement, including disclaimers directly on their website, are below:

How Grammarly Uses AI:

  • Grammar and Spelling Checks: Grammarly employs AI, including machine learning and natural language processing (NLP), to provide accurate and insightful suggestions for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. This goes beyond basic spell checking, offering feedback on tone, clarity, and more.
  • Generative AI features: Grammarly has incorporated generative AI to assist users with tasks like brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and rewriting text based on prompts. This allows users to create content more efficiently and refine their writing for different audiences and purposes.
  • AI Writing Assistant: Grammarly's "AI Writing Assistant" goes beyond simple corrections and can generate text based on user prompts, similar to tools like ChatGPT. This feature leverages transformer-based models and analyzes context to provide nuanced suggestions.

AI Detection

Grammarly provides an AI detection tool to help users identify if text resembles patterns found in AI-generated content. This feature supports transparency and responsible AI use, allowing users to make informed decisions about their writing and cite AI usage appropriately. You can find it here: https://www.grammarly.com/ai-detector

 

Grammarly emphasizes a responsible approach to AI development and use, focusing on:

  • Transparency: They aim to be transparent about how their AI works, including its data sources, training methods, and potential limitations.
  • User agency: Users are in control of their interactions with Grammarly's AI. They can accept or dismiss suggestions, customize settings, and turn off certain AI features.

Accountability

Grammarly takes ownership of its AI's performance and is committed to addressing issues like bias or inaccurate suggestions. This also means that bias and inaccurate suggestions are a factor for students using the resource/tool.

If you have questions about how AI is used in writing tools, how to use AI responsibly, or about how you may be at-risk if used improperly, please reach out to your instructor.