Email Templates Responding to Suspected Student Use of Generative AI
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In this Hub post, we will explore three scenarios in which you may need to contact students by email to express concern about suspected use of generative AI (genAI) in an assignment. The email templates below chart a scaffolded approach, moving from 1) an expression of concern regarding the suspected use of genAI, to 2) informing the student you will be filing an academic offence after evidence of inappropriate genAI use has been collected, to 3) deescalating when a student is anxious or alarmed in response.
Additional Resources
Feel free to adapt these templates to reflect your situation. These additional email templates address specific steps in implementing the Academic Integrity Procedure and conducting outreach to students. You may also find this Hub post on Reacting and Responding to Student E-mails, Especially During End-of-Semester Stress helpful in crating emails to students.
1) An expression of concern regarding the suspected use of genAI
The scenario: You have clearly communicated the parameters of acceptable genAI use to students in your course, both verbally and in writing, on several occasions.
(If you are curious about communicating parameters for acceptable genAI use to students, check out this Hub post on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Assessment Statements for Students.)
Now at week three, you are grading the first significant assignment and observe patterns in student work that cause suspicion that some students may have used genAI to complete their work. You don’t have evidence that genAI was used, but you want to reinforce expectations.
You send an email to the whole class:
Dear Students,
I want to remind you that the use of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) tools is strictly prohibited in completing assignments in this course/OR in completing [identify specific tasks in the assignment]. The use of genAI-powered tools may seem tempting to some of you to obtain better grades or complete assessments quickly, but it is important to understand the implications of using such tools.
Firstly, the use of genAI tools during assessments undermines the learning process. It is essential that you develop critical thinking skills and apply the knowledge you have acquired through your coursework when completing assessments. Relying on genAI tools may hinder your ability to develop these skills and lead to an incomplete understanding of the material.
Secondly, the use of genAI tools can also lead to academic dishonesty. Cheating in any form is not acceptable in this course and can result in serious consequences, including failure of the assessment, the course, or even expulsion from Conestoga.
Finally, and as communicated in the Instructional Plan for our course, the use of genAI tools during assessments to complete learning tasks on your behalf is a violation of academic integrity, which is a fundamental value of our institution. It is important that you uphold these values and maintain the highest standards of academic honesty.
I encourage you to ask questions, seek help, and work hard to develop your skills throughout this course. I believe in your ability to succeed through hard work and dedication.
Sincerely,
[Your Name], Professor
2) The filing of an Academic Incident after evidence of inappropriate genAI use has been collected
The scenario: A student has admitted to using genAI to complete large portions of an assignment on their behalf. The student’s use contravenes the parameters of acceptable genAI use that you have communicated to the class in several contexts and on multiple occasions. You asked the student to revise and resubmit their assignment and rectify the inappropriate use of genAI in response to feedback you provided. The resubmitted assignment, however, shows the student has changed very little of the original problematic content. According to the Academic Integrity Procedure, you meet with the student to discuss. At this meeting, the student defends their continued use of genAI.
After the meeting, you send an email to the student communicating that you will file an Academic Incident:
Dear [Student Name],
Thank you for meeting with me on [date] to discuss my concerns about your [identify assignment] in XXX [course code]. As I communicated in that meeting, I am concerned about the inappropriate use of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) technologies I have observed in your assignment. During our conversation, you confirmed your use of genAI to accomplish [identify relevant learning task(s)].
As your professor, it is my responsibility to ensure that my students achieve course learning outcomes under their own cognitive efforts without unauthorized aids or assistance, which undermine the integrity of learning. My expectations around genAI use were communicated in the Instructional Plan, in the assignment instructions, and in class when I presented the assignment in Week [#] [list relevant places expectations were communicated to students]. Your [identify assignment] does not satisfactorily demonstrate your independent efforts in learning or follow the expectations I communicated around genAI use in our course.
For these reasons, I will be filing an Academic Incident.
You can find more information on students’ responsibilities on Conestoga’s Academic Integrity website.
Sincerely,
[Your Name], Professor
3) Deescalating when a student is anxious or alarmed in response
The scenario: In response to the email in which you communicated that you are filing an Academic Incident, the student expresses alarm and pleads with you not to act because of the repercussions the Academic Incident will have. The student cites their precarious financial situation and life circumstances, asking you to be compassionate and forgive their use of genAI in completing the assignment. You clarify your position and reasoning in an email.
Dear [Student Name],
I hear the concern in your email regarding my decision to file an Academic Incident for your [identify assignment] in XXX [course code]. It sounds like there are many pressures in your life at the moment.
My role as a professor at Conestoga is to support students as they achieve course learning outcomes. I have a responsibility to ensure students demonstrate learning under their own cognitive efforts, with honesty and integrity. Based on the evidence I collected and the conversations you and I have had, I have determined that your use of genAI in [identify assignment] is inappropriate given the expectations of learning at Conestoga. I will be filing an Academic Incident.
I empathize with your difficult situation and encourage you to connect with Student Success Services for further support. I am here to support you in the upcoming evaluations in our course. I am happy to work with you as you prepare for subsequent assignments, so you understand expectations and feel confident in your work.
Sincerely,
[Your Name], Professor
Note: If a student persists in emailing or approaching you despite having been provided with support, reach out to Student Rights and Responsibilities for issues related to student conduct. If you have concerns about the student’s wellbeing submit a CARE Team report right away.
