If a faculty member suspects a student is misusing AI or using AI to cheat, they should follow these steps:
Verify, Observe and Document: Use available tools and methods to evaluate AI use. This might include running plagiarism detection software in TurnItIn (included in Canvas) or comparing the work with known AI outputs. You can also compare the suspected work to other work submitted by the student. Gather other relevant evidence, such as unusual similarities between student work and AI-generated content, inconsistencies in writing style, or sudden improvements in performance.
Consult: Feel free to reach out to your colleagues, chair, Dean, and/or academic campus leaders to get a second opinion and to ensure that your suspicions are reasonable and backed by evidence.
Prepare Evidence to share with the student and others: Compile all evidence in a clear and organized manner. This includes the student's work, any comparative analyses, and documentation of your observations. Think about the Academic Integrity Policy and how you will represent this information to the student.
Meet with the Student: Arrange a private meeting with the student to discuss your concerns. Present the evidence and give the student an opportunity to explain their side of the story. It is important to approach the conversation with professionalism and sensitivity. (see section below for more information)
Decide on Action: If as a result of the conversation you and the student agree to a path, make a record of the meeting and the agreement in an email If the evidence strongly suggests misconduct, follow the procedures to submit an academic integrity violation (see section below for more information).
When meeting with a student suspected of misusing AI or using AI to cheat, faculty should take the following steps. By following these suggesetions, faculty can address the issue of AI misuse with professionalism, sensitivity, and a focus on the student’s growth and development.
Schedule a Private Meeting: It is important to approach the conversation with professionalism and sensitivity. Arrange a private, confidential meeting with the student to discuss your concerns.
Prepare Evidence: Bring all relevant evidence that led to your suspicion, such as specific assignments, examples of AI-generated content, and documentation of your observations.
Engage in a conversation, with a Positive Tone: Begin the meeting with a positive and supportive tone.
Acknowledge the student’s efforts and express your commitment to their academic growth. Emphasize the importance of academic integrity and the value of original work in their learning process.
Clearly explain the specific behavior or work that raised your suspicions in a factual, non-accusatory manner
Invite the Student to Explain. Give the student an opportunity to explain their process, and illustrate their knowledge. Allow them to share their perspective and provide any context that may clarify the situation.
Listen attentively and without interruption.
Decide on an Action
If evidence of misuse is apparent, discuss the potential consequences as outlined in your institution's academic integrity policy, ensuring the student understands the gravity of the situation. Continue your conversation and decide on the action(s) you want to take. In most cases faculty take all of some of the below actions:
Provide Guidance: Offer guidance on how to properly use AI tools as educational aids rather than shortcuts. Share resources or strategies for completing assignments without resorting to dishonest practices. Throughout the conversation, maintain a supportive tone, focusing on the student's growth and learning, and reaffirm the importance of honesty and integrity in their academic journey. Show empathy and offer support. Let the student know about available resources, such as tutoring services or writing centers, that can help them improve their skills.
Agreed upon solutions: If as a result of the conversation you and the student agree to a path (such as, an alternative assignment, revising the work, etc) make a record of the meeting and the agreement in an email, including their response and any agreements or outcomes from the meeting. Keep a record of the discussion, including the student’s responses and any agreements or outcomes from the meeting. Arrange a follow-up meeting or check-in to review the student’s progress and reinforce the importance of maintaining academic integrity.
Submitting an Academic Integrity Violation: If the evidence strongly suggests misconduct, follow the procedures to submit an academic integrity violation.
If evidence of misuse is apparent, discuss the potential consequences as outlined in your institution's academic integrity policy, ensuring the student understands the gravity of the situation. Continue your conversation and decide on the action(s) you want to take. In most cases faculty take all of some of the below actions:
1) Provide Guidance: Offer guidance on how to properly use AI tools as educational aids rather than shortcuts. Share resources or strategies for completing assignments without resorting to dishonest practices. Throughout the conversation, maintain a supportive tone, focusing on the student's growth and learning, and reaffirm the importance of honesty and integrity in their academic journey. Show empathy and offer support. Let the student know about available resources, such as tutoring services or writing centers, that can help them improve their skills.
2) Agreed upon solutions: If as a result of the conversation you and the student agree to a path (such as, an alternative assignment, revising the work, etc) make a record of the meeting and the agreement in an email, including their response and any agreements or outcomes from the meeting. Keep a record of the discussion, including the student’s responses and any agreements or outcomes from the meeting. Arrange a follow-up meeting or check-in to review the student’s progress and reinforce the importance of maintaining academic integrity.
3) Submitting an Academic Integrity Violation: If the evidence strongly suggests misconduct, follow the procedures to submit an academic integrity violation.
If, after your discussion with the student, you decide to move an academic integrity complaint forward, follow the procedures outlined in the academic integrity policy. Notify the student in writing about the suspected breach and the forthcoming formal complaint, ensuring they are aware of their right to respond or appeal. Throughout this process, maintain confidentiality and handle the situation with professionalism. Communicate clearly and respectfully with all parties involved, keeping the focus on upholding academic standards and fairness.
If a student refuses to meet regarding a suspected violation of academic integrity, faculty should follow these guidelines:
Document the Refusal: Record the student's refusal to meet and any communication attempts, including emails or messages.
Proceed with Written Communication: Send a detailed written notification to the student outlining the specific concerns, evidence, and potential consequences of the suspected violation. Include information on their right to respond or appeal.
Inform Relevant Authorities: Notify the Provost's office.
Maintain Professionalism, Confidentiality, and Provide Support Resources: Keep communication respectful and focused on upholding academic standards. In your written communication, offer information on available support resources, such as academic advising or counseling services, to assist the student during the process.
As per Kean's academic integrity policy: Students have a right to withdraw from a course in accordance with University policy, however, academic integrity violations will be pursued and resolved regardless of the student’s continued enrollment. If the resolution of the violation results in a failing grade for the course, the student will be re-enrolled in the course and the failing grade will be assigned.