Common elements of a syllabus AI statement
Eight elements that appear across published syllabus statements, with where each one comes from.
- Strong statements share eight elements, from stance to an invitation to ask.
- Name permitted and prohibited uses by task.
- Explain the rationale in terms of learning.
A clear overall stance
One sentence saying whether AI is prohibited, allowed in some ways, or encouraged.
e.g. “AI use is permitted only where an assignment says so.”
Permitted and prohibited uses, by task
Concrete activities named as allowed or not: brainstorming, drafting, editing, coding, studying.
e.g. “Allowed for proofreading; not for drafting.”
Disclosure and citation
How students acknowledge AI use: a statement, citation format, or saved conversations.
e.g. “Add a note describing which tool you used and how.”
Student responsibility for accuracy
Students remain accountable for errors, fabricated sources and bias in AI output.
e.g. “You are responsible for checking every claim.”
A rationale tied to learning
Why this rule fits the course goals, so students see the policy as about learning, not policing.
e.g. “This assignment builds your own analytical voice.”
Privacy and data protection
What students must not enter into AI tools, and which institution-approved tools to use.
e.g. “Do not paste classmates’ work or personal data.”
Integrity consequences
How unauthorized AI use is treated under the institution’s academic integrity policy.
e.g. “Unauthorized use will be handled as academic dishonesty.”
An invitation to ask
Students are told to check with the instructor when unsure, which addresses the confusion students report.
e.g. “If in doubt, ask before you use a tool.”
How we got here: we compared the sample statements published by nine university teaching centers (listed under References) and kept the elements that appear in most of them, then checked them against recent syllabus research.
Take it with you
Download the eight elements as a checklist, a disclosure form for students, or a worksheet for redesigning an assignment.