Our orientation towards working with AI in academic writing:
Our approach to GenAI is informed by common guidance across APA, MLA, and Chicago styles recommending writers acknowledge their use of GenAI as a tool rather than provide attribution for the program as an author itself. GenAI is not an author, so our focus will remain on the student as the author and learner. Tutors have a working knowledge of common GenAI programs. We keep up with trends in GenAI in academia and gather insights from how students are using them in our sessions.
We always assume the best intent and believe that seeking tutoring signals a sincere desire to learn and improve. If a writer chooses to make generative GenAI part of their process, we provide advice and guidance on its ethical and effective use. However, we will also have transparent discussions about when AI may be inappropriate, unethical, or ineffective for their goals. We will continue to respect student’s decisions about their work, their privacy, and their independence by serving as a non-evaluative space for student learning.
What resources does the Writing Center have for GenAI and learning?
Tutors can help students with using GenAI in their writing process by:
- Reviewing syllabi and assignment instructions to determine if using GenAI is appropriate
- Coaching in reviewing generated content critically in comparison with student drafts
- Coaching to check for accuracy, relevance, and alignment with assignment goals
- Identifying the inaccurate, nonexistent (“hallucinated”), or incorrectly cited sources
- Coaching in using GenAI as part of the brainstorming and planning processes of writing
- Coaching in creating or revising prompts to generate better content
What students can expect when working with writing tutors:
- A judgement-free space to make mistakes and learn
- While we will provide guidance around academic integrity and encourage students to make informed decisions, we do not report uses of GenAI that may considered violations of academic integrity or plagiarism
- Any information students share regarding use of AI in session discussions is confidential
- Like instructors, individual tutors may have different opinions about the ethics of GenAI, but we will always respect student decisions and reinforce their agency
What faculty can expect from our staff and leadership:
- Our tutors will continue to keep information about sessions with students confidential, sharing information about tutorials only with the student at their request
- Tutors will not require students to disclose whether they have used GenAI in writing to have a tutorial and will work with whatever material the student brings to the session, asking questions about process and authorship as they consider appropriate
- Tutors will consistently emphasize the importance of individual instructor’s policies on GenAI use in their course, help students locate and understand these policies, and respect instructor’s directions for their courses
- For advice on GenAI and writing or concerns about academic integrity related to use of GenAI, faculty should work with our Director, who will work with other staff and leadership to address questions and concerns as needed
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