GenAI Writing Support Guide

Generative AI and the Writing Center

Metro State Writing Center, drafted fall 2025

Curious or concerned about generative AI (GAI) for college coursework? Tutors can help with that!

A Confidential, Judgment-Free Space
Tutorials offer a supportive, non-evaluative space for learning. We view seeking tutoring as a genuine commitment to growth and respect students’ privacy, independence, and agency. It is our firm policy that information and drafts students share in tutorials are confidential.
Guidance Around Academic Integrity
We advise that you always check the syllabus or consult the instructor to see whether GAI use is allowed, how you’re meant to use it, and how to disclose it. We can help you make informed, responsible, and ethical decisions. Our practices are grounded in Metro State and Minnesota State policies, informed by insights from national research, and shaped by guidance across the main styles used at Metro: APA, MLA, and Chicago.

Interpreting instructors’ expectations in syllabus policies and assignment instructions
Highlighting institutionally approved tools such as Microsoft Copilot accessed via a Metro State account; be cautious about third-party tools because of privacy and data security concerns
Using GAI for brainstorming and planning; in other words, how to partner with the tools to get started, deepen your thinking, and clarify your arguments or analysis
Developing strategies for identifying inaccurate and nonexistent or “hallucinated” sources—especially important as including nonexistent sources violates academic integrity
Checking GAI output for accuracy, relevance, bias, or alignment with assignment requirements
Offering tips for crafting or revising prompts to generate better output
Transparently citing GAI tools and how you employed them in the proper format for your field