Generative AI is software that creates content based on a set of data.
Tools such as ChatGPT have made waves in the academic community and the technology is fast evolving. It is important for you to understand the rules around the use of this technology for your own learning.
Students now have access to Microsoft Copilot. Find out how to access Copilot and follow the guidelines on this page to make sure you are using the tool in line with Charles Sturt University policies.
Charles Sturt University has decided generative AI tools cannot be used in your assessment items in most cases.
If AI use is permitted in your subject, this will be clearly stated in the subject outline.
If you're unsure if you can use one of these tools in your assessments, contact your subject coordinator. They'll be able to advise if the software you are planning to use is suitable or allowed to be used.
When using AI tools, ethical and responsible use principles such as transparency, academic integrity and fairness should be considered. For more information, please refer to Charles Sturt University's Statement of Principles for the use of Artificial Intelligence. Have a question about the principles? Email academicquality@csu.edu.au.
Our stance on Generative AI has not changed the value we place on Academic Integrity. It’s important your assessment tasks reflect your own work, allowing us to accurately assess your understanding of course material. This ensures you can work successfully and safely in your future career.
Generative AI can often create content that is inaccurate, incorrectly referenced, poorly worded, and not of appropriate academic quality. It could be considered a breach of Academic Integrity, which may have consequences for you both personally and professionally.
If you use a generative AI to create content for your assessment task when it is not permitted, you will be penalised under the Student Misconduct Rule 2020 and the Academic Integrity Policy. This will be treated as cheating.
Always check the assessment questions and criteria in your subject outline to ensure your work meets the requirements. If you’re unsure about your assessment, or whether generative AI is permitted, please check with your subject coordinator.
In addition to the general use of AI, the examples below outline specific times when it’s also not appropriate.
Everyday tools such as web browsers, proof reading applications and even word processors now have new GenAI capability embedded in them. For example Grammarly previously offered spelling and grammatical assistance, however it now can generate, rewrite and reply with a simple click of a button.
Instead, check your refencing against the appropriate referencing guide and ART tool.
If your subject outline permits the use of Generative AI, you do need to reference this (like any other resource you use). The APA Referencing Summary has been updated with how to do this.
Instead, check out our Library guides.
Our Academic Skills team has partnered with Studiosity to help you with your writing.
You can also see our grammar and spelling guide.
This would be considered a breach of the university's academic integrity policy. You can use our academic skills resources to help you with writing, referencing and much more.
We know that generative AI is being adopted in workplaces and its use will continue to grow.
There may be times during your course where you’ll be learning to use these tools, so we’ll be finding appropriate assessment tasks to help you use it ethically. These assessments will specifically permit the use of AI as part of the assessment criteria in your subject outline.