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Create a Syllabus Statement

*Please consult with your department or college before applying any course-level policy related to generative AI use, as the department or college may already have a preferred or required policy in place.*

Because students are more likely to follow a policy or a directive if there is a formal one in place, faculty are encouraged to create a generative AI use policy for their courses. Communicating what generative AI tools are, their capabilities, and how and when students can use them is essential for student success in navigating these tools ethically. Including a policy statement in your syllabus and any reference to this policy where it is applicable, such as in assignment instructions, will give students clear direction and let them know what is expected. 

Guidelines to Consider When Drafting Your Syllabus Statement

A clear and specific policy is essential and accurate language is important.

Course policies on the use of generative AI will most likely change as technology, laws, and overall experiences change. As such, you will want to inform your students about the possibility of changes in the policy. If the policy does change, be sure to let your students know. 

Remind students that the purpose of the generative AI policy is to support student learning and critical thinking.

Before drafting an AI syllabus statement, get familiar with AI resources and their limitations.  Think about the following questions to help you decide whether and how students will use generative AI.

  • Should generative AI be used in the course or not? Why or why not?
  • If generative AI can be used, how will students document that it was used? 
  • Should course learning objectives be revised?
  • Should generative AI competencies be taught in the course?
  • Should assessments be revised?

You may also consider these questions.

  • How might students use AI to enhance their learning in the course?
  • What AI tools are allowed in this course?
  • Will students use the AI tools on all assignments or only specific assignments?
  • What are inappropriate student uses of AI?
  • What are the consequences of inappropriate AI use?
  • What attributions of AI are expected? 

Your generative AI course policy may fall into one of four categories:

Only content done by a student or as part of an assigned group is accepted.
AI-assisted work on some assignments is allowed when students clearly identify what parts of the assignment were AI generated and how it helped them.
AI can be used to prepare for assignments, such as brainstorming, but students must show how it helped them reach the result. Other examples include writing support, generating codes, resource assistance, citation assistance, tutoring, and research.
Students can use AI but must identify what parts are generated.
Adapted from University of Michigan. “Getting Started with Generative Artificial Intelligence: U-M Instructor Guide.” University of Michigan, 2025. https://genai.umich.edu/resources/faculty
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