Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Assessment Statements for Students

Before we get started, please note: The college continues to update its guidelines for experimentation with genAI technologies in teaching and learning. Consult the AI Experiment Form if you want to explore the experimental use of genAI beyond Copilot as a Conestoga employee.

Conestoga students have access to Copilot, so it’s important to clarify the purpose and place of using genAI tools in assessments.

Below are statements that you can use so that your students are clear on what is permitted with respect to the use of genAI in course assessments. Adapt these as needed to suit your assessments.

Option #1: Totally Forbidden

Note: There is a difference between generative and assistive AI (e.g., Grammarly). Be clear about which type of AI is forbidden in your classroom.

Use of any form of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) is strictly forbidden throughout all stages of this assessment, including brainstorming, idea generation, outline formation, etc. 

GenAI may include (but is not limited to) chatbots, coding and image/art generating tools, or other technologies that produce work for you. Using genAI in any capacity throughout the assessment process will be in violation of Conestoga’s Academic Integrity Procedure under the category of Unauthorized Aids and Assistance (Cheating) or Copying from Others or Self Copying. The consequence of this violation is that an academic offence will be filed with a penalty. In cases where you are unsure if something is considered genAI, always ask your professor before using. 

NOTE: Grammarly is/is not permitted as an assistance technology for proofreading. 

Option #2: Some Leeway for Cited genAI Use

Note: If you wish to give students an option to use generative AI, see this post for a checklist of items to consider. It is a good idea to provide models that assist students with Citing Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). It might be also important to consider how you would like to see your students describe or document their use of genAI in completion of an assessment. See Elan Paulson’s exemplar of statements on the optional use of genAI from a course she taught.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) platforms, including (but not limited to) chatbots, coding tools, and image/art generating tools are NOT permitted in the completion of this assessment, with the exception of: 

1. Brainstorming and idea generation 

2. Thesis refinement 

3. Proofreading 

4. (Add/Remove components as desired) 

All genAI used to assist in the completion of the assessment should be cited as instructed in the evaluation description. You are responsible for communicating with your professor if you have any questions about what is acceptable and what is not. If you are found to have used genAI in an unacceptable manner, you will be in violation of Conestoga’s Academic Integrity Procedure, under the category of Unauthorized Aids and Assistance (Cheating) or Copying from Others or Self Copying. The consequence of this violation is that an academic offence will be filed with a penalty.

NOTE: Use of any external genAI platforms is done at your own risk and you are advised to use only personal devices and/or personal email accounts for this purpose.

Option #3: Experimental Use

Note: Even if you provide students with the option to use AI, you should still guide students on the safe and responsible use of AI. Consider asking students to include a statement Describing AI Collaboration in their use of AI.

You can use generative artificial intelligence (genAI) to . . . (e.g., conduct initial brainstorming).

Note: Cyber security risks and the safe use of external platforms for genAI (including, but not limited to, chatbots, coding tools and image/art generating tools, or other technologies that produce work for you) are a major concern and must be taken very seriously. You are not permitted to use your College email address or College-issued device to create accounts and/or use this emerging technology. If you choose to use these platforms on your personal devices, it is at your own risk. Use of genAI outside of this specific use is considered a violation of Conestoga’s Academic Integrity Procedure under the category of Unauthorized Aids and Assistance (Cheating) or Copying from Others or Self Copying, and you will face an academic offence and an appropriate penalty will be applied. In cases where you are unsure if something is considered genAI, speak with your professor before using it.