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1. Understanding Academic Integrity in the Age of AI

Academic integrity is about honesty, fairness, and responsibility in your academic work. It ensures that everyone gets a fair chance to learn and be evaluated. With AI tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT becoming everyday resources, it’s important to understand how these principles apply when using such technologies.

What Does Academic Integrity Mean in Practice?

SJSU’s Academic Integrity Policy Links to an external site. outlines specific actions that constitute violations, such as:

  • Cheating: Copying, using unauthorized materials, or submitting the same work in multiple courses.
  • Plagiarism: Using someone else’s ideas or content without proper citation.

These principles are critical in guiding how you engage with AI tools in your academic work. Using AI without proper acknowledgment or relying on it excessively can lead to unintentional violations of this policy. 

Core Principles of Academic Integrity in AI Use

1. Honesty

Be truthful in all academic work, including assignments, exams, and projects—whether using AI or not.

  • ✅ Do: Always represent your own work truthfully and accurately.
  • ❌ Don't: Misrepresent AI-generated content as your own work without proper acknowledgment.

2. Responsibility

Own your learning and academic output, using AI tools to support—not replace—your effort.

  • ✅ Do: Use AI tools to enhance your understanding and efficiency.
  • ❌ Don't: Rely solely on AI tools to complete your assignments without putting in your own effort.

3. Fairness

Ensure equal opportunities for all by following ethical standards in evaluations, even when using AI.

  • ✅ Do: Follow all exam or assignment guidelines set by your instructor.
  • ❌ Don't: Use unauthorized AI tools during exams or graded assignments.

4. Respect

Acknowledge others’ intellectual property and give credit, especially when using AI-generated content.

  • ✅ Do: Cite any ideas or content that come from AI tools.
  • ❌ Don't: Copy AI-generated content without giving credit or permission from your instructor.

Additional Resources

For more information about the Academic Integrity Policy and related resources, refer to the SJSU Student Conduct & Ethical Development brochure [PDF] Links to an external site..