Generative AI and Academic Integrity

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI which refers to artificial intelligence capable of creating new content—whether text, images, or other data—based on patterns and structures learned from existing training data (such as but not limited to ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Canva AI, Copilot, Character.ai, Lexis-Nexis, Grammarly, Westlaw, etc…). This technology creates prompt-generated text that appears human written (in many ways, but also may seem obviously generated when one knows what to look for).

What is Agentic AI?

Agentic AI can autonomously complete tasks on behalf of the user. Sometimes this requires a user providing all of the security to the AI software including user names and passwords. An example of this technology is Perplexity Comet which can respond to emails, draft schedules and calendars, and even be a personal shopper. In higher education, AI Platforms such as Einstein are able to complete entire Canvas courses on behalf of the student.

What are the policies in place regarding AI at Loyola?

In simple terms, AI should only be used with permission of an instructor as it pertains to the specific teaching pedagogy of a course. In almost all cases, the use of AI should be disclosed and acknowledged to avoid academic dishonesty. Read: Loyola's AI Policy (updated July 21, 2026)

The University AI Committee has also developed FAQs documents:

Our University Bulletin states that plagiarism, "is the act of taking material that is not one’s own and representing it as one's own. The material in question can include (but is not limited to) unacknowledged words, sentences, paraphrases, data, images, videos, sounds, music, ideas, calculations, translations, and solutions to problem sets. This material can be written by another person, a group of persons, or even a computer or website. As the Modern Language Association (MLA) website describes plagiarism “It is thus a kind of fraud: deceiving others to gain something of value. While plagiarism only sometimes has legal repercussions (e.g., when it involves copyright infringement—violating an author’s exclusive legal right to publication), it is always a serious moral and ethical offense."

Resources

Meet our AI Faculty Fellows!

Need individual help or have questions within your own college? Reach out to one of the faculty fellows or join our AI Teaching & Learning Canvas Course.

Canvas Module for Faculty to Use in Courses

Adam Beauchamp, Head of Research & Instruction and Assistant Professor in Monroe Library, developed and shared a Canvas Commons Module that faculty can easily add to their courses as supplemental, or required, viewing for their students. For help adding the module to a course, please reach out to the CTRL team.

https://lor.instructure.com/resources/05ce1cc4a92e4e94bfdffa0dca072f6b?shared

Canvas Resources from Marquette University

Our colleagues at Marquette developed some excellent resources to help you communicate with your students about AI. You will find their page here: https://www.marquette.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/ai-communicating-with-students.php

Has Loyola Provided Any Training on AI?

Yes, faculty are encouraged to join one of of Faculty Learning Communities, attend a workshop or the AI Conversation series or join our AI book clubs. Please watch for emails from CTRL and the Provost's Office.

We are also part of the "AI Ready" series available through the Council of Independent Colleges. The theme changes each month: September was "AI in the Flow of Work: and October is "AI as an Accessibility Tool".

Reach out to erin.foster@loyno.edu for more information.

Looking for an AI Tool?

https://theresanaiforthat.com/

Additional Resources

Why we must teach AI literacy in higher education (Leo, 2024, eCampusNews)

Beyond the classroom: The future of university teaching (Johnston, 2024, eCampusNews)

AI on the brain: The latest higher-ed news (Ascione, 2024, eCampusNews)

The imperative of ethical AI practices in higher education (Ocleppo, 2024, eCampusNews)

4 Simple Ways to Integrate AI Into Your Class (2024, Harvard Business Publishing)

Let ChatGPT Be Your Teaching Assistant (2024, Harvard Business Publishing)

Syllabus Statement Templates (Honorlock)

ChatGPT in Higher Education: A Primer for Instructors (Cengage)