Using AI in Your Coursework
A Plain-Language FAQ on WilmU's Student GenAI Policy
This FAQ explains WilmU's policy on student use of generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and DALL-E in everyday terms. It's a summary, not a replacement—if anything here conflicts with the official policy or your instructor's syllabus, those govern.
Quick Reference: The 5-Minute Version
- Use AI to learn — to explain, brainstorm, or explore ideas — not to write your work for you.
- Never submit AI-generated content as your own unless your instructor explicitly allows it.
- Always disclose permitted AI use: name the tool, describe your prompts, and explain how you used the output.
- Don't trust AI output blindly — verify facts; you're responsible for what you submit.
- Never upload course readings, videos, discussion posts, or recordings into an AI tool.
- Never record class sessions yourself, with or without AI.
- When in doubt about a specific assignment, ask your instructor first.
The Basics
Q: What is this policy really about?
A: WilmU wants you to experiment with AI tools, but not let them do your thinking or writing for you. AI can be a great study partner — it shouldn't be a ghostwriter.
Q: Can I use ChatGPT or other AI tools for my classes at all?
A: Yes, for many things. The policy is not a ban on AI — it's about using it to support your learning, not to skip it.
Q: Can I have AI write my paper, discussion post, or presentation for me?
A: No, not unless your instructor specifically says otherwise. Submitting AI-generated work as your own is treated the same as submitting someone else's work as your own — it's an academic integrity violation.
Q: What happens if I misuse AI on an assignment?
A: Unauthorized AI use falls under WilmU's Academic Integrity Policy, found in the Student Handbook — the same policy that covers plagiarism and having someone else do your work. That's where the process and consequences for violations are laid out.
What's Allowed
Q: What are examples of okay ways to use AI?
A: Generally fine uses include:
- Asking AI to explain a confusing concept
- Brainstorming ideas before you start writing
- Getting suggestions for how to phrase something in your own work
- Using an AI-powered search to explore a topic
- Drafting a non-coursework email to a professor or classmate
Q: Does every instructor follow the exact same rules?
A: The syllabus is your source of truth for each class. Instructors may set course-specific expectations that differ from the general policy, and they’ll spell those out in the syllabus.
Q: I'm not sure if a specific use is allowed for an assignment. What do I do?
A: Ask your instructor before you use the tool. It's your responsibility to check first, not to guess.
If You Do Use AI
Q: If I'm allowed to use AI, do I need to say so?
A: Yes. Whenever you use AI in a way your instructor permits, you must disclose it in your submission — name the tool, describe the prompts you used, and explain how you used the output.
Q: What if I quote something the AI generated directly?
A: Cite it properly, using whatever citation format your instructor requires for that course.
Q: How should I cite AI-generated content?
A: Follow whatever citation format your instructor requires. Most WilmU courses use APA style, but your instructor may require a different format. If APA style is required, generative AI is generally treated like software, with the company that created the tool listed as the author. Always confirm your instructor’s citation requirements before submitting your work.
APA Reference list entry format: AI Company Name. (Year, Month Day). Title or description of chat [Generative AI chat]. Tool Name/Model. URL of the chat.
Example: OpenAI. (2026, August 10). Explaining supply and demand [Generative AI chat]. ChatGPT. https://chatgpt.com/share/[chat ID]. In-text, use (OpenAI, 2026) or, narratively, OpenAI (2026).
Q: Can I trust everything an AI tool tells me?
A: No. AI tools can confidently state things that are false (sometimes called "hallucinations") and can reflect biases from their training data. Treat AI output the way you'd treat an un-vetted source — verify it before you rely on it. You're responsible for the accuracy of whatever you submit, even if AI generated part of it.
Privacy, Copyright, and Recordings
Q: Is there a risk to my own privacy or work if I use AI tools?
A: Possibly. If you upload your own original work to a GenAI tool, it may become part of that tool's training data, meaning others could eventually see something derived from it. The reverse is also true — content an AI generates for you might unintentionally include someone else's copyrighted material.
Q: Can I upload my course readings, lecture videos, or discussion board posts into an AI tool?
A: No. Substantial course content — readings, videos, discussion boards, audio recordings, and similar materials — may not be uploaded into GenAI tools.
Q: Can I record class sessions using an AI note-taking tool?
A: No. Making your own recording of course meetings is not allowed, whether or not AI is involved.
Q: What if I need AI as part of an accommodation?
A: Contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services. If AI technology is part of an approved assistive technology solution for you, that's handled through them, not as a general exception.
Looking Ahead
Q: Will this policy change?
A: Likely, yes. AI technology and how it's used in education are evolving quickly, and WilmU expects to update this policy over time, with input from students and instructors.
Q: Who do I ask if I still have questions?
A: Start with your instructor for course-specific questions. For broader questions, check with your academic program or the office referenced in the full policy.