The purpose of this guide is provide a starting point for understanding how to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)* tools responsibly. Here's what you'll find in this guide:
While librarians are not technical AI experts, we are committed to helping the St. Kate's community understand how to use this technology ethically. Have a question? Ask us by using the chat pop-out on the right-hand side of the page or contacting us via email at library@stkate.edu.
* Note that you may see generative artificial intelligence abbreviated or referred to in several different ways, e.g., GenAI, Gen AI, or GAI. Generative AI is a specific subfield of artificial intelligence that is used to create content.
ChatGPT is sometimes used as a catch-all term for generative AI, but it is only a specific tool.
The recent advances and availability of generative AI (artificial intelligence) technologies present new challenges and opportunities for the St. Catherine University community. Perspectives on the use of generative AI in coursework at St. Kate's vary from faculty to faculty, and department to department. You may find that it is allowable in one of your classes but not in others, for one assignment but not for all. As this is a rapidly changing technology, university, department, and individual course policies will change over time.
Your faculty should provide guidance about the use of generative AI in your coursework either through a syllabi statement, class discussion, or other course communication. If you are unclear about whether or not it is appropriate to use it, ask your instructor! Be sure you understand how it may be used in your academic work. If you have explicit approval to use an AI tool in your assignments, follow your instructor's guidance for documenting your use of it.
It's important for all students to know what the St. Catherine University Academic Dishonesty Policy states about GenAI:
"Using generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) on assignments without permission, in improper ways, or without citation or affirmation is considered a violation of the St. Catherine University academic integrity policy."
Even though you might use GenAI in the development of an assignment or in your studies, it is important that the work you submit is your own work.
Here are some of the ways that generative AI tools may be useful:
Generative AI is a powerful tool to help you study and aid in the learning process, however, it is critical that it be used in an ethical and responsible way, which we cover in the next few pages. Be sure you are in compliance with your instructor's guidance if you are using it for academic assignments.
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