Undergraduate Policies

Purpose

This policy defines the acceptable use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in academic courses and identifies related policies, documents, guidelines and best-practices.  

Definitions

Academic Integrity: This is the foundation of all Jefferson teaching, learning, and professional endeavors and vital to advancing a culture of fairness, trust and respect. All members of the University community must maintain respect for the intellectual efforts of others and be honest in their own work, words and ideas.  The use of GAI at Thomas Jefferson University must adhere to the standards set forth in this policy found in the Academic Integrity Policy

Assistive Artificial Intelligence: Many commonly accepted tools have artificial intelligence embedded within to aid in their operation. Unless specifically prohibited, use of these tools is permissible when an individual creates content and applies the tool to refine their work. Examples include: spelling and grammar programs, search engines, and navigation maps. 

Course Syllabus:  Document created by course faculty in consultation with department and college officials which outline expectations for participation in the course and includes select policies; including the use of GAI in coursework.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI): For the purpose of academic classroom management at Thomas Jefferson University, Generative AI shall be referred to as GAI and is a set of tools/algorithms capable of generating original text, images, audio, video, and computer code, among other digital content.

Permitted Use of GAI: Authorizes use of GAI with appropriate citation in a specifically identified course and/or assignment, as determined by the course faculty; and as appropriate, approved by the department and/or college and documented in the course syllabus.

Restricted Use of GAI:  Identifies limits around or prohibits the use of GAI in an identified course and/or assignment as determined as determined by the course faculty; and as appropriate, approved by the department and/or college and documented in the course syllabus.

Policy

The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools in a course is under the purview of the faculty in accordance with department, college and University policies and is documented in the course syllabus. The Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Policy elaborates on the use of GAI in the University Academic Integrity Policy. Use of GAI beyond the approved instance and/or lacking appropriate citation is a violation of academic integrity. 

Scope

This policy is applicable to all Thomas Jefferson University academic coursework both on-campus and online and at all academic levels of instruction.

Components

1. The acceptable use of AI tools in a course is stated in the course syllabus and may reflect: a.) Permitted Use of GAI  b.) Restricted Use of GAI
2. In instances where the use of GAI is permitted, the student will: a.) accept responsibility as owner of their work submitted and therefore accept responsibility for the validity of the content. b.) appropriately acknowledge the use of GAI that contributed to their work even if that information is not in their final submission.
3. In instances where the use of GAI is restricted or prohibited, it is recognized that certain standard tools may be embedded with Assistive AI technology and these may be used unless specifically prohibited.
4. In instances where use of GAI is restricted the instructor will identify in writing those instances, if any, where the technology may be used.
   
5. In all instances, students must adhere to the Academic Integrity Policy of the University which includes the use of GAI. All violations are subject to the sanctions identified in this policy.