Generative AI in the Classroom

Generative AI (GenAI) tools — such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and similar technologies — are increasingly present in academic and professional life. Suffolk University recognizes this, and has established a clear, consistent framework for how these tools may be used in coursework across the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and Sawyer Business School (SBS). This section explains your responsibilities as a student, how to understand GenAI permissions in each of your courses, and what happens if the policy is not followed.

For more information, please visit the Suffolk University AI Policies & Governance webpage: https://www.suffolk.edu/about/mission-history/policies-procedures/ai-policies-governance

Your Responsibilities

As a student at Suffolk, you are responsible for:

  • Understanding that GenAI permissions vary from course to course — what is allowed in one class may not be allowed in another.
  • Checking your syllabus at the start of every course to find your professor's specific GenAI policy.
  • Following the attribution and documentation guidelines set by your professor whenever GenAI use is permitted.
  • Asking your professor if you are ever unsure whether GenAI use is allowed for a specific assignment.

When in doubt - ask first

  • If your syllabus doesn't address a specific assignment, assume GenAI is not permitted.
  • Reach out to your professor before submitting work to confirm what is allowed.
  • It is always better to ask than to risk an academic integrity violation.

GenAI Usage Levels

Every course at CAS and SBS will designate one of four GenAI usage levels. Your professor must communicate this in the syllabus. If different assignments in the same course have different permissions, your professor will provide an assignment matrix.

Level What it means What you need to do
Not Permitted GenAI not permitted Do not use any AI tools for this course or assignment.
 Some Allowed Some GenAI allowed AI tools are permitted for certain tasks only. Follow your professor's specific guidance carefully.
 With Attribution Allowed with attribution  You may use AI tools but must document and cite your use according to your professor's guidelines.
 Expected GenAI expected  You are encouraged to use AI tools extensively. Show how you used them effectively.

 

Citing and Attributing GenAI

When your professor permits GenAI use, they will provide specific guidelines for how to document it. Attribution requirements exist to uphold academic integrity and ensure your own intellectual contribution is visible.

Common documentation requirements may include:

  • Identifying which tool(s) you used and for what purpose.
  • Describing how you modified, verified, or built upon AI-generated content.
  • Including a disclosure statement in your assignment or a separate log of AI interactions.

Your professor will tell you exactly what format to use. If no attribution format is specified and GenAI is permitted, ask for clarification before submitting.

Academic Integrity and Violations

Using GenAI in ways that violate your course's designated usage level — or failing to properly attribute GenAI assistance when required — is considered an academic integrity violation.

Violations are addressed through Suffolk University's standard academic misconduct procedures, which may include:

  • a reprimand
  • a remediation plan
  • a grade of F in a course
  • probation; and/or dismissal

Importantly, submitting AI-generated content as your own original work — without permission or attribution — is treated the same as plagiarism.

A note on using GenAI responsibly

  • GenAI tools can be powerful aids, but they can also produce inaccurate, biased, or incomplete information.
  • Even when GenAI use is permitted or expected, you remain responsible for the accuracy and integrity of your submitted work.
  • Your professor's guidelines are designed to help you engage with these tools thoughtfully and ethically.

Questions about GenAI policy in a specific course should be directed to your professor. For broader policy questions, contact the Provost's Office.