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Academic integrity
- Academic integrity
- Academic integrity breaches
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- Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence
By default from Semester 1, 2025, you are allowed to use generative AI and automated writing tools for your assignments, unless your unit coordinator has prohibited the class from using it. You must acknowledge any use.
For exams and tests, you are not allowed to use AI and automated writing tools unless your unit coordinator has expressly permitted it.
In Semester 2, 2025, rules for the use of AI as outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy will change. To find out more, visit our page about using artificial intelligence tools responsibly in your studies and assessments.
What is generative artificial intelligence?
At the University, we define generative AI as a rapidly evolving class of computer algorithms capable of creating digital content – including text, images, video, music and computer code.
These algorithms work by deriving patterns from large sets of training data that become encoded into predictive mathematical models, a process commonly referred to as ‘learning’. These models do not keep a copy of the data they were trained on, but rather, generate novel content entirely from the patterns they encode. People can then use AI interfaces like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude or MidJourney to input ‘prompts’ – typically, instructions in plain language – to make generative AI models produce outputs.
There are many AI-powered applications and tools that can be beneficial to your studies, but there are also situations in which using AI tools may not be appropriate. Using AI responsibly involves ensuring these tools are used ethically, understanding their limitations, and maintaining a balance between technology and traditional approaches to learning. It’s important for students to develop critical thinking, communication, and other skills (including written communication) and conduct independent research, rather than solely relying on AI tools.
AI for learning
Learning to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools productively and responsibly is an important part of developing digital literacy. We want to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge to adapt and thrive in a changing world.Â
At the same time, it's important to understand when use of AI is unethical, inappropriate, or breaches the University’s rules about academic integrity. Submitting assessments that aren't your original work – including work produced by AI – may constitute a breach of academic integrity.
For general learning purposes, as opposed to assessments, you are permitted to use generative AI tools, as long as you follow all University policies when doing so including the Academic Integrity Policy 2022 (pdf, 376KB),ÌýAcceptable Use of ICT Resources Policy 2019 (pdf, 258KB) and the Student Charter 2020 (pdf, 221KB).
The contains a number of ideas for how to use AI to improve your learning.
AI for assessments
By default from Semester 1, 2025:
- you are allowed to use generative AI and automated writing tools for your assignments, unless your unit coordinator has prohibited the class from using it. You must acknowledge any use
- for exams and tests, you are not allowed to use AI and automated writing tools unless your unit coordinator has expressly permitted it.
The university distinguishes between automated writing tools (which rephrase, translate, or refine text) and generative AI tools (which create new content). Both must be acknowledged if used.
Rules around AI use may differ depending on the unit, discipline, and other factors. From 7 February 2025, unit outlines will display an icon to indicate whether AI is allowed for assessments. Make sure you look for the icon and check the assessment instructions. If you’re still unsure, ask your unit coordinator. Using AI when not allowed could amount to a breach of academic integrity for which you could be investigated.
In Semester 2, 2025, rules for the use of AI as outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy will change. To find out more, visit our page about using artificial intelligence tools responsibly in your studies and assessments.
Acknowledging the use of AI
If you are permitted to use automated writing tools or generative AI by your unit coordinator, you will need to include a statement in your submitted work explaining:
- that you have used AI tools in completing the work
- the name and version of the automated writing or generative AI tools you have used
- the publisher
- the uniform resource locator (URL)
- and a brief description of how you have used them.
If your unit coordinator has made any additional stipulations about how they want the class to acknowledge AI use, you should also follow these rules.Â
Detecting generative AI use
Turnitin has a tool for detecting use of artificial intelligence in student work. If a marker or teacher suspects that part or all of your assessment has been generated using AI technology and its use was not permitted, or use was not acknowledged, the Turnitin AI detection tool may be used to evaluate the situation. It’s important to note that the AI detector score would not be the only evidence relied upon for an academic integrity case, but will be considered alongside other relevant evidence.
How to avoid academic integrity breaches when using AI
- Ensure you follow the guidelines given for the unit and assessment.
- If AI use is permitted, keep track throughout your assignment process of all the ways you have used generative AI, and keep copies of generative AI outputs as evidence of your research and writing process.
- Ensure that you take ownership for your final work.
- Ensure that you have acknowledged any use of software or tools, and that you reference all sources.
Getting help or advice with generative AI
If you have further questions about how to use AI responsibly and productively,  or contact the Office of Educational Integrity by emailing educational.integrity@sydney.edu.au.
Last updated: 09 May 2025
