Policy & Citation Hub

Navigate academic integrity with confidence using the Syllabus Decoder and citation guides

Key Principles for AI Use in Academics

Universal guidelines that apply across all courses and assignments

1. Transparency

Always disclose when you've used AI tools. Include an AI usage statement in your work and document your prompts. Transparency builds trust and demonstrates academic integrity.

2. Verification

Never trust AI output blindly. Verify all facts, check citations, and cross-reference with authoritative sources. You are responsible for the accuracy of everything you submit.

3. Learning First

Use AI as a learning tool, not a replacement for learning. The goal is to develop your own skills and understanding. AI should enhance your education, not bypass it.

The Syllabus Decoder

Use this interactive tool to understand what AI usage is allowed for your specific assignment

Syllabus Decoder
Select your syllabus permission level and task type to see specific guidance

Step 1: What does your syllabus say about AI?

Citation Cheat Sheet

How to properly cite AI-generated content in your academic work

Download PDF Cheat Sheet
ChatGPT (Text Generation)
Citing AI-generated text responses

In-Text Citation:

("ChatGPT response to prompt")

Works Cited:

"Describe the water cycle in 50 words." prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. 2024, OpenAI, chat.openai.com/chat.
Microsoft Copilot
Citing Copilot-generated content

In-Text Citation:

(Microsoft Copilot)

Works Cited:

Microsoft Copilot. "Explain the causes of the French Revolution." 14 Feb. 2024, copilot.microsoft.com.
Claude (Anthropic)
Citing Claude AI responses

In-Text Citation:

(Claude)

Works Cited:

Claude. "What are the ethical implications of AI in healthcare?" 15 Feb. 2024, Anthropic, claude.ai.
DALL-E (Image Generation)
Citing AI-generated images

In-Text Citation:

(DALL-E, OpenAI)

Works Cited:

OpenAI. DALL-E. "A futuristic classroom with holographic displays." 16 Feb. 2024, openai.com/dall-e.
MLA Best Practice: Transparency

MLA emphasizes transparency. Always include the exact prompt you used and the date of the interaction. If the AI output was edited or paraphrased, note that in your citation or in a footnote.

Official MLA Resources

For the most up-to-date guidance on citing AI-generated content

Visit MLA Style Center
Purdue OWL
The gold standard for academic writing resources

The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is the most trusted resource for citation guidelines, grammar help, and academic integrity guidance. Visit their site for comprehensive examples and tutorials.

MLA GuideAPA Guide

How to Acknowledge AI Usage

Be transparent about your AI usage to maintain academic integrity and build trust with instructors

Download PDF Examples
Acknowledgement vs. Citation
Understanding the difference between these two methods of disclosure

Citation

Used when you quote, paraphrase, or use specific content (like a unique idea or image) generated by an AI. You attribute the "work" to the model, similar to how you cite a book or an article.

Acknowledgement

A broader statement describing how you used the tool as a collaborator. This is necessary even if you didn't directly quote the AI, but used it to shape your work (e.g., brainstorming, structuring, or debugging code).

AI Usage & Academic Integrity
Why transparency matters in academic work

In academia, there is an expectation that you disclose when AI tools contribute meaningfully to your project. Using AI without disclosure—even for "help"—can be seen as a violation of academic integrity.

The "Human in the Loop"

You are ultimately responsible for the accuracy and quality of your work. AI can "hallucinate" (make things up), so you must verify all facts and take full ownership of the final output.

Standard Tools vs. Generative Tools

You generally do not need to acknowledge basic tools like spellcheckers or standard calculators. However, because generative AI produces original ideas and structured content, it requires transparency.

Best Practices for Drafting Your Statement
Follow this workflow to set yourself up for success
1

Know Expectations

Always check your instructor's specific policy (try the Syllabus Decoder) before using AI.

2

Keep a Log

Track the names of the tools you use and the exact prompts you entered.

3

Be Specific (Tool & Process)

Avoid vague phrases like "AI was used." Explain exactly what the tool did.

4

Affirm Responsibility (Verification)

Explicitly state what you reviewed, edited, and how you verified the AI-generated content.

Acknowledgement Examples
Real-world examples showing tool name, specific use case, and confirmation of review

Example: Brainstorming & Structure

"I used ChatGPT (OpenAI) to brainstorm initial themes for this essay and to suggest a potential outline. I reviewed the suggestions, chose the most relevant themes, and wrote the full text myself, ensuring all arguments align with my own research and voice."

Example: Technical Troubleshooting

"I used Claude (Anthropic) to help debug the Python script used for data analysis in this project. I verified all corrected code to ensure it functioned accurately and produced the intended results according to the lab requirements."

Example: Visual Content

"The image on page 3 was generated using DALL-E 3 (OpenAI) based on prompts I developed. I modified the final image to better fit the presentation's color scheme and verified that it accurately represents the concept of [Topic]."
Summary Checklist
Verify your acknowledgement statement before submission

Did I name the specific tool and version?

Did I describe the specific task the AI performed?

Did I confirm that I reviewed and edited the output?

Does my level of use align with my syllabus policy?

Source: Adapted from ASU's Lib Guide on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

View ASU Guide