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Using Information Ethically

This guide will introduce you to the importance of using information ethically in your academic work. We will discuss academic integrity, strategies for avoiding plagiarism, and ethical issues with generative artificial intelligence.

Using AI at UNC

Little robot graphic Can I use AI for Academic Work?

There isn't one straight-forward answer to this question as it really depends on each instructor. But keep in mind these things:

  • Always check with your instructor about their policies around AI use.
  • Keep the human in the loop. You are responsible for any work you turn in, so if there are mistakes or wrong information, you are accountable for that. 
  • If you choose to use AI tools to generate exam answers, assignment responses, references, music, or data and then submit that information as your own, you might be found to be in violation of academic misconduct.

 

Graphic of instructor in front of class UNC's Policies

As of August 2024, UNC does not have a university-wide AI policy. AI policies are set by course instructors and will clarify AI use guidelines for their class. Make sure to check the specific policies for each of your classes which you can find in the syllabus. If you are unable to find an AI policy, check with the instructor. The policies will likely fall into one of these categories of AI use:

  • No Use of Generative AI Permitted

  • Use of Generative AI Permitted Under Some Circumstances or With Explicit Permission

  • Broader Use of Generative AI Permitted Within Guidelines

    All work done for your classes is subject to the BEAR Code which does cover academic misconduct. 

 

Check mark graphic Checklist for Using AI for Academic Work

Before using AI for any work in a class, be sure to think about the following:

  • Ensure you understand your instructor's policies and expectations around the use of AI.
  • Be familiar with the BEAR Code.
  • Use AI for generating ideas, not necessarily content, depending on your class policies.
  • Cite AI and be clear about how it was used, if it is OK to use AI for that assignment or project. 
    • Information on citing AI-generated content is available for APA, MLA, and Chicago citation styles.

What is Acceptable Use?

Use this graphic to help you decide when using AI tools is acceptable and not acceptable. Notice that the more you have AI doing for you, the greater the violation of academic integrity. 

A color scale showing the types of AI use and level of academic integrity violation beginning with a 0% violation for writing the assignment with no help from AI, all the way to 100% violation of copying and pasting AI content and passing it off as your own with little editing.

Additional Information

   

For more information on AI, here are a few resources that might be helpful: