Creating effective AI policies in your syllabus requires clarity, flexibility, and a focus on learning outcomes. This article provides guidance on developing guidelines that work for both instructors and students while maintaining academic integrity.

Creating effective AI policies in your syllabus requires clarity, flexibility, and a focus on learning outcomes. Here's how to develop guidelines that work for both you and your students.

Start with a clear AI statement early in your syllabus. Rather than a simple "AI is/isn't allowed," explain your philosophy on AI use in learning. For example: "This course views AI as a learning tool that, when used appropriately, can enhance your understanding. However, it must be used transparently and ethically."

Include specific examples of permitted and prohibited AI use. Consider a table format: Permitted: Using AI for brainstorming, getting feedback on drafts, creating study questions Prohibited: Submitting AI-generated work without modification, using AI without citation, having AI complete assignments

Detail your documentation requirements. Specify how students should cite AI use in their work. For instance: "When using AI tools, include your prompts and the AI's responses in an appendix, along with a brief explanation of how you modified and incorporated the content."

Outline the consequences of improper AI use, but frame them educationally. Instead of jumping straight to academic dishonesty penalties, consider requiring students who misuse AI to complete an AI literacy module or meet with you to discuss proper usage.

Include a statement about AI detection tools and your use of them. Be transparent about your methods while emphasizing that the goal is ensuring academic integrity, not catching rule-breakers.

Remember to review these policies with students during the first week and provide opportunities for questions and clarification.

• AI Philosophy Statement: Clear explanation of how AI tools fit into your course learning objectives.
• Permitted/Prohibited Uses: Specific examples of acceptable and unacceptable AI use.
• Documentation Requirements: Guidelines for citing and explaining AI tool usage.
• Consequences Framework: Educational approach to addressing AI misuse.

• Review AI policies during the first class session to ensure understanding.
• Provide examples of properly documented AI use in coursework.
• Create opportunities for students to practice appropriate AI use.
• Maintain flexibility to adjust policies as AI tools evolve.

Effective AI guidelines in your syllabus should focus on transparency, education, and proper usage rather than prohibition. Clear policies help students understand how to use AI tools ethically while supporting their learning journey.