Letter to the Editor: Faculty thoughts about AI story

I and other members of the UDM faculty appreciate the feature story on the use of AI in the Nov. 13 edition (“AI brings challenges, opportunities for UDM faculty”). However, many members of the faculty are concerned that the article was not explicit enough regarding the fundamental fact that a student who uses AI to create writing and assignments that they then submit as their own work is an act of academic dishonesty – that is, cheating. This is clearly stated, for example, in the CHASS Academic Integrity Policy:  

“Prohibited use of artificial intelligence: Utilizing generative artificial intelligence or other automated content generation tools to produce content without instructor permission or appropriate documentation. Presenting text or content generated by generative AI as one’s original work.” 

(https://chass.udmercy.edu/current-students/files/clae-plagiarism-policy-report-form.pdf) 

I want to add here as well a statement that I have begun sharing with students in my classes at the beginning of each semester and that I hope all students at UDM who are considering cheating through the use of AI or any other means will take to heart: 

When a student does this [commits an act of academic dishonesty, cheats, plagiarizes] . . ., it is not only a huge disappointment, but . . . also a major form of disrespect to yourself, to your professor, and to the university from which you hope to graduate with a degree. (Bear in mind that academic dishonesty can be grounds for dismissal from UDM—in addition to receiving a failing grade on the assignment and/or for the course in which it occurs.) To cheat and plagiarize sends the message to your professors and to your student colleagues that you are fundamentally a cheater who has chosen a path for yourself that demonstrates that you are an immoral person. Even if you manage to “get away with it,” you will carry it with you always. 

I know this statement may sound harsh, but the way to a better world for all of us does not include dishonesty. 

Sincerely, 

Heather Hill, Ph.D. 

Professor of English 

Affiliated Faculty, Women’s and  Gender Studies