At this time, the University of Montana Western has not adopted a university-wide policy on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. As such, the use of these tools in a class or as part of any academic work or program is at the discretion of the faculty, staff, or administrator under whose authority and/or oversight that class, work, or program falls.
Faculty, staff, and administrators should include a clearly documented policy for the permissible uses, if any, of AI in course syllabi, assignment instructions, and other documents related to academic work or programs. Students should consult course syllabi and/or documentation for an assignment to determine if generative AI is allowed; students should assume that use of AI is not permitted unless otherwise specified in writing, as described above.
The unauthorized use or misuse of AI tools as part of a student’s academic work is already covered by UMW’s Academic Misconduct policy in the Student Code of Conduct. Unless otherwise instructed, use of generative AI tools should be cited or appropriately acknowledged and properly documented.
Recommended websites with AI syllabus templates and advice for including AI in the classroom:
- UT Austin Center for Teaching and Learning, “Chat GPT and Generative AI Tools: Sample Syllabus Policy Statements.” Includes links for citing generative AI tools in MLA, APA, and Chicago.
- NC State DELTA, “Developing an AI Syllabus Statement & Driving Class AI Discussion”
- Stanford Teaching Common, “Creating Your Course Policy on AI”
- Mercer University, “Sample Syllabus Guidance for AI Use”