The advent of generative AI (artificial intelligence) and related tools has changed how we live, work and play. This exciting period also presents challenges in how we study, as the use of tools such as ChatGPT may be appropriate in some academic contexts while not in others.

Whether or not generative AI use is permitted for assignments in your course, it is critical you adhere to Cornell’s Code of Academic Integrity.

If you are unsure of any policy or assignment-specific directions – including whether or not a tool is considered generative AI and acceptable for use in a course assignment – it is your responsibility to clarify this with your instructor prior to using the technology or completing your assignment.

Why is it important to do so? Absolute integrity is expected of every Cornell University student in all academic undertakings. Integrity entails a firm adherence to a set of values, and the values most essential to an academic community are grounded on the concept of honesty with respect to the intellectual efforts of oneself and others. A student’s submission of work for academic credit indicates that the work is the student’s own.

For example, if your use of ChatGPT was not authorized by your instructor and not disclosed by you prior to submission of a course assignment, you would be fraudulently representing your work and, in turn, would be subject to the academic sanctions highlighted in the previously mentioned Code of Academic Integrity.

The best way to avoid such a scenario is to reach out to your instructor at the beginning of the course, to clarify whether and under what conditions the use of generative AI is appropriate for your course.