LWC Statement on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Like the typewriter and computer, dictionary and thesaurus, and spell and grammar check, the Lumberjack Writing Center (LWC) see generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as Chat GPT, as a new tool to support student writers and one that can enhance accessibility when used appropriately. We acknowledge the academic integrity and copyright concerns that are commonly associated with generative AI, and promote the ethical use of generative AI. As such, we encourage conversation about and modeling of ethical ways to use generative AI in the writing process. We recognize that new information is constantly emerging regarding generative AI and will update our stance, approach, and recommendations accordingly.
Expectations for LWC Writing Assistants
- Defer to faculty and programmatic guidelines regarding the use of generative AI as it relates to coursework that students bring to the LWC.
- Discuss and model the use of generative AI to develop ideas, conduct research, summarize complex readings, and more.
- Guide students in assessing the credibility and accuracy of information produced by generative AI.
- Help students to recognize potential bias, and lack of diverse perspectives and linguistic diversity in generative AI.
- Discourage the use of generative AI to create text for students to submit in their courses and approach concerns directly with students.
- Discuss the consequences of using generative AI for full text submission without proper citation.
- Support students in appropriately citing the use of generative AI.
Recommendations for Faculty
- Offer clear and consistent guidelines regarding the use of generative AI in course assignments, including citation information.
- Encourage open and honest discussion regarding the ethical use of generative AI considering copyright and academic integrity issues, as well as other shortcomings of generative AI, such as potential bias, lack of diverse perspectives, lack of linguistic diversity, and inaccurate information.
- Model and provide examples of the appropriate use of generative AI for coursework.
- Teach students to use information literacy skills to assess the credibility and accuracy of information produced by generative AI.