SDU has decided on the following guidelines regarding the use of generative AI at SDU. The guidelines may be adjusted with effect from the start of a new semester.
Generative AI in classes
In certain courses or for certain assignments, the course description will state if the use of generative AI, such as ChatGPT is not permitted when its use may be inappropriate for the learning process.
Generative AI, including ChatGPT, Bard and others, can be useful for your learning. For example:
- review and feedback on text/language
- structuring ideas or content
- summarising large amounts of information
- brainstorming and idea generation
As with other sources or aids you use for assignments on your study programme, it is important that you follow the rules of good academic practice so that there is no doubt about who is the author of the output.
If you are allowed to use ChatGPT or other in a submitted assignment, you must specify where and how you used it. You must cite generative AI when you:
- rewrite a text that a generative AI has written (paraphrasing).
- cite or use content created by generative AI in your work (whether text, images, data, video or other).
- have used the tool, for instance, for idea generation, transcription or a literature search.
When and when not to
In more and more subjects, students will find that they have an ongoing discussion in class about how and whether AI can be used in the subject. In general, it is important to constantly consider whether it is a good idea to use AI in your subject. AI has both strengths and weaknesses. Below is a list of things you would do well to remember when using AI:
- Be critical of AI output. AI does not guarantee accuracy, so the results are not always reliable or relevant.
- Recognise that AI can be biased. Critically assess the output.
- Consider the ethical aspects of using AI.
- Avoid using mainstream AI tools like ChatGPT or Bard for article searches. They tend to combine different articles and form one source.
- Remember, you are the student, not AI. The intellectual labour has to come from you. AI should only be seen as an aid.
Generative AI and confidentiality
You should be aware that information you enter (e.g. on ChatGPT) is not treated confidentially and that generative AI may share the information you have entered with others. This requires special attention if your work involves business or research collaboration. It is your responsibility to only enter information that either has been published or may be published. SDU cannot be held responsible for your use of generative AI.
As ChatGPT is not centrally authorised by SDU due to data processing reasons, your lecturer cannot require you to use it for teaching purposes. But it may be recommended.
Generative AI for exams – on-site written exams, assignments and projects
The use of generative AI is not permitted for on-site written or oral exams. This also applies to on-site written/oral exams in which all aids are permitted.
You are allowed to use generative AI for assignments and projects, including final projects, if you follow good academic practice as described above.
If you use generative AI in violation of the guidelines, it will be considered as communication with others and thus cheating in the exam. This also applies to on-site written/oral exams in which ‘all aids are permitted, unless otherwise specifically stated in the course description or exam assignments.