Syllabus Statement on AI

The use of ChatGPT or other generative AI tools does not automatically equate to academic misconduct at UBC. At this time, the use of artificial intelligence tools is a course-level decision and there is no overall ban on its use in teaching and learning.

Simon Bates, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning pro-tem, March 2023.

In line with UBC’s approach to AI tools, it is strongly recommended that the AI guidelines for the course be explicitly outlined in the course syllabus, and communicated to the students at the outset of the semester so that they are aware of the parameters within which the AI tools may operate. For online courses, you may want to use the Canvas announcement to share your AI course guidelines and set up a discussion group for students to ask questions.

When permitting the use of generative AI in your course, consider including the new guidelines on referencing AI-generated content by APA, MLA, and Chicago referencing styles. Reminding students to anonymize any personally identifiable information in the prompts is helpful to protect their privacy and confidentiality. Additionally, you can direct students to Using Generative AI resource in the eLearning Student Help Guide.

For designing guidance on generative AI, refer to LDDI’s Course AI Readiness Guide.

Across UBC

For examples by UBC instructors, visit
Communicating with students about generative AI.

Generative Artificial Intelligence Syllabus Language

For more information on outlining if and how students can use AI tools visit the Generative Artificial Intelligence Syllabus Language page by UBC Academic Integrity.

Example Statements from Faculty of Education

Dr. Leah Macfadyen

Use of Generative AI in this Course
If you make use of generative artificial intelligence tools to complete any project deliverables or other course-related work, the generated material must be clearly and correctly indicated, and cited/referenced using APA referencing style for generative AI.

Failure to clearly indicate and reference AI-generated material will be reported as academic misconduct.
You should consult your Instructor if you have any questions about the use of generative AI tools.

Dr. Keri Ewart

Use of generative AI tools
The UBC policy on Academic Misconduct can be found in the UBC Calendar and is detailed as follows: Students are responsible for informing themselves of the guidelines of acceptable and unacceptable conduct for graded assignments established by their instructors for specific courses and of the examples of academic misconduct set out below. Academic misconduct that is subject to disciplinary measures includes, but is not limited to, engaging in, attempting to engage in, or assisting others to engage in any of the actions described below. Cheating, which may include, but is not limited to:

  1. falsification of any material subject to academic evaluation, including research data;
  2. use of or participation in unauthorized collaborative work;
  3. use or possession in an examination of any materials (including devices) other than those permitted by the examiner;
  4. use, possession, or facilitation of unauthorized means to complete an examination (e.g., receiving unauthorized assistance from another person or providing that assistance);
  5. dishonest practices that breach rules governing examinations or submissions for academic evaluation (see the Student Conduct during Examinations).

A note about ChatGPT and AI Writing Tools:
If you choose to use ChatGPT or an AI Writing Tool to aid in any of the ETEC 565S assignments in any way, it is expected that the ChatGPT or AI writing tool be properly referenced using APA style, and a description outlining why the ChatGPT or AI writing tool was used/for what purpose, and how it enhanced your assignment. This description needs to be explicit and accompany all assignments that utilize ChatGPT or AI writing tools. Failure to include a proper reference and description will be considered to be a breach of academic integrity and an academic misconduct. If you have any questions about the use of ChatGPT or AI assistants, please reach out to your instructor for clarification.

Related Resources

UBC Academic Integrity. (2023). Thinking about ChatGPT?