Guidelines for Students on the Use of Generative AI
Macao Polytechnic University (MPU) supports the responsible use of GenAI during the learning process while safeguarding academic standards and quality. These guidelines provide a clear framework for students to use GenAI ethically and effectively in their studies, equipping them with the critical skills needed to navigate AI in academic work. They apply to all student work at MPU, including but not limited to assignments, projects, presentations, research work, theses, and any other academic outputs.
1.CORE PRINCIPLES
The use of GenAI is governed by three core principles:
- Human Agency and Oversight: GenAI should support, not replace, human independent and critical thinking. Students are ultimately responsible for their own work.
- Academic Integrity and Transparency: All use of GenAI must be transparently declared and properly cited. Submitting AI-generated work as one’s own is strictly prohibited.
- Responsible and Ethical Use: All use of GenAI must uphold ethical standards, respect intellectual property, protect data privacy, and promote fairness and inclusivity.
2.EXAMPLES OF ACCEPTABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE USES OF GENAI
2.1.GenAI could be facilitative in ways such as the following:
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Learning and Comprehension |
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Research and Analysis |
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Writing and Editing |
Important: Full drafts should not be uploaded to public GenAI tools to protect privacy and intellectual property. |
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Study and Self-Assessment |
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2.2.GenAI must NOT be used in ways such as the following:
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Academic Integrity and Authorship |
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Ethical and Secure Conduct |
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Circumventing Learning Objectives |
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3.CRITICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR RESPONSIBLE USES OF GENAI
3.1.Accountability, Accuracy and Reliability
Students are fully accountable for everything they submit, including any AI-generated content. GenAI is an assistive tool, not an authoritative source, so it must be used with rigorous verification.
Always Verify: Never assume AI output is correct. GenAI frequently generates false information, inaccurate data, and fabricated citations. All facts, data, and citations must be independently checked using trusted academic sources and, when necessary, multiple methods to ensure their accuracy, truthfulness and reliability.
Avoid Over-Reliance: Do not solely rely on AI-generated content as a primary source. It should be used alongside other reliable materials. Under the module instructors’ guidance, students should cross-check all information with authoritative disciplinary-specific sources. None of the content generated by AI should be used in submitted work without clear attribution through quotation, citation, or paraphrase.
Keep Records: Be prepared to show the data verification steps, including notes on the AI tools and prompts used. Students may be asked to write or sign a statement confirming that all AI-generated content has been verified.
3.2.Copyright and Referencing
Students must be clear that using GenAI might carry significant intellectual property (IP) concerns and plagiarism risks, and therefore must provide transparent attribution for any AI-generated content used in their academic work.
Cite All AI-Generated Content: All AI-generated content (text, images, code) used in student work must be clearly cited, following accepted academic conventions (e.g., APA, MLA). Any breaches will be subject to the University’s disciplinary procedures.
Avoid IP Violations: Do not use GenAI to reproduce copyrighted material (e.g., text, code, or images) without permission. Be aware that GenAI outputs may be derived from copyrighted works without permission.
3.3.Academic Integrity
Academic integrity depends on complete transparency. Not declaring AI use is a form of academic misconduct.
Declare All AI Use: Students must include a declaration statement with submissions, specifying the tool used, its purpose, and its contribution. Submitting AI-generated content as one’ s own work constitutes contract cheating and is strictly prohibited.
Example Declaration:
‘I acknowledge the use of [Tool Name] for [specific task, e.g. brainstorming initial ideas, proofreading]. I have revised all AI-generated content and verified the sources.’
Avoid Hidden Plagiarism: GenAI tools may inadvertently replicate or closely mimic existing text, leading to hidden plagiarism. Students should be aware that module instructors will employ academic judgement and specialised tools (e.g. Turnitin) to identify potential plagiarism in submitted work.
3.4.Data Privacy and Confidentiality
Students must protect sensitive information. Anything typed into a public GenAI tool could become public, risking the exposure of IP to others without permission. Failure to protect sensitive data may result in a privacy breach and could lead to disciplinary action under the University’s policies.
Never Input Sensitive Data: Students must not enter any of the following into public AI tools:
- Personal data (e.g., student IDs, phone numbers).
- MPU materials (e.g., lecture slides, exam questions, assignment briefs).
- Unpublished assignment drafts or research data.
Comply with Data Laws: All data protection laws and regulations must be followed. Data processing is strictly limited to the purposes explicitly defined in the original informed consent forms/statement. Any use beyond this scope is prohibited. Encryption methods must be employed, whenever feasible, to secure information entered into GenAI tools, preventing unauthorised sharing with third-party vendors.
3.5.Ethical Compliance
GenAI must be used in a way that is fair and does not cause harm.
Check for Bias: AI can reflect and amplify societal stereotypes related to gender, race, culture, and more. Students should critically review AI-assisted work to identify and remove biased, inaccurate, or offensive content.
Prevent Harm: Students must ensure outputs do not cause harm to individuals or society. Do not generate or submit content that promotes discrimination, hatred, or unethical behaviour.