Research and Course Guides: Artificial Intelligence (AI): Suggestions for Students

Sugggestions for Students

When using AI tools in your learning, here are some suggestions for ethical and responsible ways to do so. This helps avoid academic misconduct violations and within your future work.

Before using an AI tool for your coursework: Have a conversation with your instructor with regards to AI use on your assignments and research. If you are unsure whether use of a specific tool or using AI tools in general is allowed in your course, reach out to your instructor. Having conversations early is the best way to avoid confusion.

Explore AI software and tools to understand what they can and cannot do, especially with topics you already know a lot about. Take the time to critically analyze their response. AI often lacks the critical thinking skills needed to complete your assignments.

Here are some ways students have been using AI tools in their coursework:

asking for comments and feedback on their assignments and papers
preparing for debates by looking at counter-debate arguments
further explanation on topics they found confusing when they came up in class or in assignments.

Critically thinking about the responses the AI tool gives you is extremely important. Because it is not easy to see where this information is coming from, there is a risk the information is incorrect or is spreading misinformation about a topic. This is sometimes hard to spot because tools like ChatGPT may answer in a manner that seems authoritative and will have a certain feel of "truthiness" when reading the answer..

Missouri Southern State University supports responsible experimentation with generative AI tools, but there are important considerations to keep in mind when using these tools, including information security and data privacy, compliance, copyright, and academic integrity.

Generative AI is a rapidly evolving technology, and MSSU will continue to monitor developments and incorporate feedback from the campus community to update our guidelines accordingly.

Guidelines for usage of Generative AI tools:

Protection of Confidential Data: You should not enter data that is classified as Confidential, including any non-publicly available data into publicly available generative AI tools in accordance with the University’s Information Security Policy. Information shared with generative AI tools using default settings is not private and could expose proprietary or sensitive information to unauthorized parties.
You are responsible for any content that you produce or publish that includes AI-generated material: AI-generated content can be inaccurate, misleading, or entirely fabricated (sometimes called “hallucinations”) or may contain copyrighted material. Review your AI-generated content before publication or use in institutional decision-making.
Be alert for AI-enabled phishing: Generative AI has made it easier for malicious actors to create sophisticated scams at a far greater scale. Continue to follow security best security practices and report suspicious messages as outlined in the IT Helpdesk Newsletter.
Adhere to current policies on academic integrity: Review student and faculty handbooks and policies. We expect that these will continue to be developed and updated as we better understand the implications of using generative AI tools. In the meantime, faculty should be clear with students they are teaching and advising about their policies on permitted uses, if any, of generative AI in classes and on academic work. Students are also encouraged to ask their instructors for clarification about these policies as needed.

Vendor generative AI tools must be assessed for risk by the Office of Information Technology prior to use.

It is important to note that these guidelines are not a new MSSU policy; rather, they leverage existing MSSU' Academic Integrity policy.

Generative AI Syllabus Policy Language - In the rapidly evolving landscape of educational technology, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into academic curricula remains a subject of dynamic and diverse approaches. Recognizing the unique context of each course and the distinct pedagogical philosophies of educators, it is essential to affirm that individual instructors retain the autonomy to craft and implement AI policies that align with their instructional goals and the learning needs of their students. This decentralized approach ensures that AI utilization in the classroom is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a tailored enhancement that respects the instructor’s expertise and discretion. Check the syllabus for which AI policy your instructor has adapted for their course.

Option 1: Open Use – Generative AI is permitted/encouraged in the course with proper attribution.

Students are allowed, and even encouraged, to use Generative AI on any assignment in this course with the appropriate citation. Keep in mind that any content produced by generative AI can “hallucinate” (produce false information), so students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of any AI-generated content. For information on citing AI, please see MSSU Library’s citation tools website (URL: https://www.mssu.edu/academics/library/citation-tools.php). Students should not use generative AI in any way that would violate the Student Code of Conduct (URL: https://www.mssu.edu/student-affairs/student-life/student-activities/Final-Student-Handbook-2022-2023.pdf).

See individual assignment instructions for more details.

Metacognitive Reflection. In addition to a proper citation, the student should include the following statement with any assignment where generative AI is used for assistance.

“I used generative AI [INSERT NAME OF PLATFORM, SUCH AS CHAT GPT] for assistance in the following ways on this assignment: [INSERT WAYS USED, such as brainstorming, citation assistance, grammar and style checking, concept understanding, and research assistance, etc.].”

Option 2: Moderate Use – Generative AI is permitted/encouraged in some ways, with proper attribution, but prohibited in other ways.

Students are allowed, and even encouraged, to use Generative AI in some ways but are prohibited from using it in other ways Keep in mind that any content produced by generative AI can “hallucinate” (produce false information), so students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of any AI-generated content. For information on citing AI, please see MSSU Library’s citation tools website (URL: https://www.mssu.edu/academics/library/citation-tools.php). Students should not use generative AI in any way that would violate the Student Code of Conduct (URL: https://www.mssu.edu/student-affairs/student-life/student-activities/Final-Student-Handbook-2022-2023.pdf).

Students are permitted and encouraged to use generative AI in the following ways:

Brainstorming: You may use generative AI to stimulate creativity, generate ideas, or brainstorm topics for papers, presentations, and discussions. The generated content must serve as a stepping stone, not a final product.
Citation Assistance: AI tools can be used to manage, format, and organize citations and references, promoting adherence to academic writing standards and specific style guides required for individual assignments.
Grammar and Style Checking: AI-powered writing enhancement tools may be used to help with spelling, grammar, syntax, and stylistic errors.
Concept Understanding: Generative AI can be used to explain or simulate concepts taught in class, aiding in a deeper understanding.
Research Assistance: AI can be used to conduct initial research, compile data, and summarize articles, books, or papers. It should not replace traditional research methods but rather enhance them

You may not use generative AI in coursework in the following ways:

Plagiarism: Using AI-generated content as your original work without attribution. This includes essays, papers, presentations, and exam answers.
Data Manipulation: Using AI tools to alter data or create misleading information.
Misrepresentation of Skills: Using generative AI to complete tasks that are meant to assess your knowledge and skills.
Confidentiality Breach: Using AI tools that might violate university policies or laws related to data privacy and confidentiality

See individual assignment instructions for more details.

Metacognitive Reflection. In addition to a proper citation, the student should include the following statement with any assignment where generative AI is used for assistance.

“I used generative AI platform [INSERT NAME OF PLATFORM, SUCH AS CHAT GPT] for assistance in the following ways on this assignment: [INSERT WAYS USED, such as brainstorming, citation assistance, grammar and style checking, concept understanding, and research assistance, etc.].”

Option 3: Prohibited Use – Generative AI is fully prohibited in the course.

Students are prohibited from using generative AI in any way on any assignment in this course. The use of generative AI in this course will be considered a violation of both MSSU’s Academic Dishonesty Policy and the Student Code of Conduct (URL: https://www.mssu.edu/student-affairs/student-life/student-activities/Final-Student-Handbook-2022-2023.pdf).