AI in Education
Rochester University Guides
AI Guidance for Students, Faculty & Academic Staff
Rochester University is committed to the ethical, responsible, and innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support teaching, learning, and research while protecting academic integrity and privacy.
1. Purpose of the AI Guidelines
These guidelines define how AI tools should be used across Rochester University to ensure they enhance, rather than undermine, academic excellence and integrity.
- Promote academic excellence through responsible AI use
- Support teaching, learning, and research with modern digital tools
- Protect academic integrity and intellectual honesty
- Ensure ethical, transparent, and inclusive applications of AI
These guidelines apply to all students, faculty, and academic staff across all Rochester University programs.
2. Guiding Principles
2.1 Academic Integrity
AI may support learning and research, but it must never replace a student’s own work, critical thinking, or intellectual contribution.
2.2 Transparency & Accountability
Users must accurately disclose when AI tools are used, when required, and ensure that outputs are reliable and ethically applied.
2.3 Ethical & Responsible Use
AI should promote fairness, respect, and academic quality, and must not be used in ways that compromise these values.
2.4 Privacy & Data Security
Confidential or personally identifiable information must not be entered into public or non-secure AI systems.
2.5 AI as a Support Tool
AI should complement—not replace—human judgment, academic rigor, and professional expertise.
3. AI Use Guidelines for Students
AI tools can assist with understanding and practicing course materials when used responsibly. Students must adhere to Rochester University’s academic integrity policies at all times.
✅ 3.1 Acceptable Uses
Students may use AI to:
- Clarify challenging concepts or theories
- Summarize readings and study materials
- Generate practice questions, quizzes, or flashcards
- Improve grammar, clarity, and structure in their writing
- Brainstorm ideas or develop preliminary outlines
- Plan study schedules and manage time
All submitted work must reflect the student’s own understanding and capabilities.
⛔ 3.2 Prohibited Uses
Students must not use AI to:
- Generate essays, reports, or assignments for submission
- Rewrite or paraphrase AI-generated content to avoid detection
- Complete quizzes, tests, or assessments unless explicitly allowed
- Fabricate citations, data, or research findings
- Replace original analysis, reasoning, or problem-solving
Submitting AI-generated work as one’s own is considered an academic integrity violation and may result in disciplinary action.
📝 3.3 Student Responsibilities
- Verify the accuracy of any AI-generated information
- Cite AI use when required
- Follow course-specific AI policies from instructors
- Maintain authorship and originality of all academic work
4. AI Use Guidelines for Faculty & Academic Staff
AI can significantly enhance teaching effectiveness, course design, research processes, and administrative efficiency. Rochester University encourages thoughtful and ethical use of these tools.
💡 4.1 Recommended Uses
Teaching & Curriculum Design
- Draft lesson outlines, case studies, or classroom activities
- Create multiple versions of examples for differentiated learning
- Develop supplemental study materials
Assessment & Feedback
- Draft rubrics and assessment guidelines
- Prepare general feedback templates
- Create practice questions or alternative prompts
Research & Scholarship
- Brainstorm research directions or methodologies
- Summarize literature for preliminary review
- Improve clarity in academic writing
Administrative Support
- Draft routine emails, guides, or procedures
- Organize workflows, schedules, or planning documents
🚫 4.2 Restrictions for Faculty & Staff
AI must not be used to:
- Grade or evaluate student assignments or exams
- Process confidential or student-identifying information (FERPA compliance)
- Produce official academic decisions or institutional policies
- Replace expert judgment, peer review, or scholarly evaluation
5. Suggested AI Tools
The following AI tools may be used with caution and verification. Users are responsible for checking accuracy and complying with University policies.
✔ General AI Assistants
- ChatGPT
- Microsoft Copilot
- Google Gemini
📖 Academic & Research Tools
- Semantic Scholar
- Scite.ai
- Zotero with AI extensions
✍️ Writing & Accessibility
- Grammarly
- Read&Write
🎧 Transcription & Organization
- Otter.ai
- Notion AI
6. Citing or Disclosing AI Use
When assignments permit AI assistance, proper acknowledgment is required.
💬 Example Disclosure Statement
📚 APA 7 Example Citation
7. Practical Guidance & Best Practices
🎓 7.1 For Students
- Use AI to learn, not to complete coursework.
- Double-check all facts, definitions, and references.
- Review instructor-specific AI policies for each course.
👩🏫 7.2 For Faculty
- Clearly define AI expectations in syllabi.
- Use assessment formats that encourage originality.
- Show students examples of ethical and unethical AI use.
8. AI and Academic Integrity
Rochester University is committed to upholding academic standards. Improper use of AI technologies constitutes a violation of academic integrity and may result in disciplinary action in accordance with University policies.
AI is a powerful tool—but it cannot replace the intellectual, ethical, and professional development gained through academic work.
9. Support & Resources
Email: info@rochesteruniversity.org
For course-specific questions about AI use, students should first consult their course syllabus or contact their instructor.