Guidance on the Use of Generative AI in Graduate Exams, Theses, and Dissertations
The use of generative AI in graduate education is an important topic of conversation for students, faculty, committees, and programs as students embark on taking qualifying, preliminary, and final exams, as well as writing theses and dissertations.
As the use of generative AI continues to expand and people explore new applications, there are important considerations regarding evaluation of student knowledge, data privacy, and appropriate research practices.
The Graduate College does not have a policy regarding the permissibility of the use of generative AI in doctoral milestones. However, we encourage discussion within programs and individual committees about their expectations for if and how generative AI can be used in exams and theses. Regardless of what those expectations are, they should be communicated clearly with your students. Such conversations can provide an opportunity to consider the specific disciplinary considerations for generative AI, ethical use, and best practices for citing AI use.
Campus Resources
- The Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning: Generative AI Implications for Teaching & Learning
- The University Library: Introduction to Generative AI
- Generative AI Solutions Hub
- Digital Risk Management Generative AI guidance