Draft / Refine an AI policy for your course

Why

At this point, many of your students have spent years working with generative AI as a part of their high school and/or college journey. Each professor has their own policies towards the use of generative AI depending on their values, learning goals for students, and course assignments. If a specific policy is not included in your course syllabus, students may default to policies used in other classes (which can vary widely). This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Being aware of your own goals and restrictions for generative AI use in your class can help you clearly communicate the “what” and “why” of your own policy and expectations. You may also want to review the Guidance on Academic Honesty and Generative Artificial Intelligence.

How

1. Use these CTL resources to consider the type of AI policy that will work for you:

Complete CTL’s flowchart to help you consider the best AI options for your class. Complete CTL’s flowchart to help you consider the best AI options for your class. Consider how you’ll address suspected student misuse of GenAI Tools. Consider how you’ll address suspected student misuse of GenAI Tools. Review some example statements you can tailor based on what you will prohibit or allow. Review some example statements you can tailor based on what you will prohibit or allow.

2. See how two UMass faculty members share guidance on acceptable and unacceptable use of AI with their students.

 

Considering the affordances and challenges of GenAI Considering the affordances and challenges of GenAI Explaining the rationale for unacceptable uses of GenAI Explaining the rationale for unacceptable uses of GenAI

Lean into Fall 2025

This page is a part of the Focus on the Syllabus session of Lean into Fall 2025, the CTL's quick start guide for the semester.

Go to Lean into Fall

Want to talk to us?

Submit your work and get feedback in a 15 minute consultation or schedule a longer session to dive deeper and work on this together. 

Request a consultation

Center for Teaching & Learning

W. E. B. Du Bois Library - 7th Floor, Suite 702 

154 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9275
(413) 545-1225
[email protected]

Schedule a consultation