Illustration by Sami Seyedhosseini, Photo Editor.
AI can help write a paper, summarize research or generate ideas in seconds. But knowing when and how to use it is becoming a bigger question on college campuses — one that Chapman is now addressing with a new university-wide policy.
The rapid adoption of AI has created challenges for universities nationwide, from students using the technology to complete assignments to faculty navigating inconsistent classroom policies. Questions have also emerged about the reliability of AI-detection software, the disclosure of AI use in grading and lesson planning and how universities can protect student privacy while allowing the technology to be used as an educational tool.
The Artificial Intelligence Use Policy, which was signed into effect on Oct. 12, aims to address some of these concerns by establishing requirements for students, staff, and faculty using AI in teaching, learning, research, administration, and other university operations.
The policy focuses on protecting personal and university data, maintaining academic integrity, respecting intellectual property and ensuring human oversight when AI is used. It also requires users to verify the accuracy of AI-generated information and remain responsible for work produced with the technology.
For students, one of the most significant aspects of the policy concerns the use of AI in coursework. Faculty members retain the authority to decide whether AI is permitted, restricted or required in their classes and must communicate those expectations through the course syllabi.
If an instructor’s syllabus does not address AI use for a particular assignment, students cannot be held responsible for unauthorized AI use without having been notified of the restriction. However, AI remains prohibited during quizzes, examinations and other proctored assessments unless an instructor explicitly allows it.
The policy also addresses the use of AI detection software, stating that a statistical or probability-based detection tool cannot serve as the sole evidence in an academic integrity violation.
The university had previously seen an increase in academic integrity cases related to AI use.
Kelli Fuery, creative and cultural industries department chair and Faculty Senate president, emphasized that its purpose is to establish boundaries while protecting student privacy and faculty academic freedom. She also highlighted the importance of students and faculty developing the skills to understand when AI is useful, how to use it responsibly and how to critically evaluate its output.
“AI has become part of our lives very quickly,” Fuery said. “Faculty and students now have a policy that sets out the university’s expectations for AI use and faculty have their academic freedom protected in deciding how AI fits into their teaching and scholarship - provided it complies with Chapman’s policy.”
Chapman’s approach to AI has developed alongside the technology’s growing presence in higher education. In August 2023, then-President Daniele Struppa announced the creation of an AI resource hub, developed by faculty and staff across several departments to provide guidance on responsible AI use, privacy and security.
PantherAI was later introduced as a platform that provided students and faculty with access to multiple generative AI models through a centralized system. The university has also expanded its academic offerings surrounding the technology, introducing a minor in Collaborative Intelligence through the School of Communication.
The new policy builds on those earlier efforts by establishing university-wide requirements for AI use. It applies not only to classroom assignments but also to research, university business and administrative decisions.