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Student Success Centre

Student Success Centre

Suggestions for using Generative AI in academic writing

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Generative Artificial Intelligence tools (GenAI) like Chat GPT have become increasingly popular among students for their ability to assist with academic writing in research, drafting and editing. It’s essential to use these tools ethically and in accordance with the principles of academic integrity, as defined by Concordia's Academic Code of Conduct. 
 
The Student Learning Services team has developed the suggestions below to ensure that your use of GenAI supports your learning, stimulates your ability to think critically and adheres to academic integrity standards. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your writing while maintaining your authorship of your academic work.  
 
A useful framework to consider when thinking about the boundaries of GenAI is collaboration on assignments. While working with others can be an opportunity to develop and expand your ideas or refine your text, some assignments are intended to be completed applying only your knowledge. Unauthorized collaboration is an academic offense.
 
Think of GenAI as a collaborator. It’s up to your professor how much collaboration is acceptable on each assignment so they can fairly and accurately evaluate your work. 

Follow your professor’s instructions

Some professors may allow or encourage you to use GenAI for your assignments, while others may not. If the instructor does not mention the use of GenAI on their syllabus, ask if you are permitted to use it for your assignments, and in what capacity. 

Your professor might specify at what stage of an assignment you can use GenAI (for brainstorming, drafting or editing, for example), how much AI-generated content is acceptable, or which specific assignments it is allowed for. Do not assume it is allowed if your professor does not mention it. Always read instructions carefully and ask your professor if you need clarification.

If you cannot openly tell your professor that you used GenAI for your writing, then you should not use it.

Permission and attribution

Using GenAI without permission or failing to clearly attribute or cite the AI-generated work, you risk being faced with an accusation of plagiarism. If you are permitted to use these types of generative tools for your academic work, you must cite them. 

Check the Concordia Library for more citation styles.

Simply stating that you used AI does not show your professors how you used it. Some professors might provide additional instructions for demonstrating how you used GenAI and incorporated AI generated content.

For example, professors might ask for an appendix documenting your process or ask you to specify which parts of the text incorporated AI generated content. Explaining how you used GenAI can be an opportunity to reflect on and refine your process and further demonstrate your knowledge to your professors. 

If you are permitted, use AI carefully and critically

  • You need a basis of understanding of your course content to assess whether the AI-generated content is helpful and relevant. Do your course readings, engage in lectures and make sure you thoroughly understand your assignment instructions. Knowing more about your topic will also allow you to prompt AI effectively and specifically, ensuring your work connects with course content and is not overly general.

  • Do not share any sensitive or confidential data or research materials with GenAI. Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the platform that you are using. 

  • Trust that your ideas are interesting and important, with GenAI as a tool to explore them further. Your writing should demonstrate original thought and effort and you should be able to explain and discuss your work.

 
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