Marquette calls students to use generative AI tools responsibly and ethically. Review these frequently asked questions to help you use AI in ways consistent with our Catholic, Jesuit mission and values.
Does Marquette have a unified policy on students using generative AI for classwork?
Marquette does not have a university-wide policy.
In general, instructors decide on generative AI use for your courses.
The college or department offering your course may have its own AI guidelines.
Please consult the syllabus or your instructor on specific generative AI course policies.
What tools are considered generative AI?
If a tool creates or transforms your work, it's generative AI.
Examples include but are not limited to: ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Dall-E, Firefly, Gemini, Github Copilot and Perplexity.
Note that some long-standing software, such as word processors and spelling/grammar checkers, have revamped into AI tools.
If in doubt, check with your instructor.
How might using generative AI affect my learning experience?
At Marquette, our Jesuit values challenge students to approach generative AI with discernment.
If allowed by your instructor, generative AI can help you brainstorm ideas, summarize course content and explore new perspectives.
But AI may short-circuit your learning, if it replaces critical thinking or problem solving.
Keep in mind that AI can yield inaccurate or biased information.
And AI misuse may lead to academic integrity issues.
Before using generative AI for an assignment or project, consider these questions:
Is this use helping me learn or replacing the work I am meant to do?
Does the final work still reflect my own thinking, voice and values?
Am I using AI to deepen understanding or to avoid challenge or struggle?
Does my course syllabus give me guidance on AI usage? If so, would I feel comfortable explaining how I used AI to my instructor?
Struggle and effort are part of learning. Generative AI should support learning, not skip it. For more, watch the video "How does Gen AI impact your learning?"
What campus resources can I use before consulting AI?
When you feel stuck, overwhelmed or behind, using AI seems an easy fix. But that feeling might signal you need support, structure or help determining the next step.
Pause before you outsource work to generative AI, escaping the learning process.
Marquette recommends reaching out to campus resources:
Start with the AI Tool List, noting which tools are available to students.
What privacy issues should I know about?
When using generative AI tools, be mindful of data and privacy.
Do not enter personal, confidential or sensitive information into public AI tools.
Know that you may lose control of your data when you enter into a public AI tool. That AI tool could reuse your data to answer questions asked by anyone else.
What if the syllabus or assignment does not mention AI use?
Ask your instructor before using AI for your classwork.
Don't assume omission of generative AI from the syllabus means you can use AI.
The Honor Code calls for students "to complete individual assignments individually and neither to accept nor give unauthorized help." Using AI (without instructor approval) is not individual work.
Is using generative AI without attribution plagiarism?
Yes, submitting AI generated-work as your own is plagiarism.
University Academic Misconduct Policy specifies plagiarism as the "use of another’s creations or ideas without proper attribution, including lacking or unclear attribution of content developed with generative software ('artificial intelligence')."
To avoid academic misconduct, disclose and attribute AI use.
I know a student who is using AI to plagiarize. What should I do?
The Honor Code is clear. You are obliged "to report any observed breaches of this honor code and academic honesty."
If you are comfortable, discuss the academic misconduct with your instructor.
At Marquette, learning how to use AI responsibly now prepares you to:
Collaborate effectively with technology
Explain and justify your decisions
Use tools in ways that honor human dignity and social responsibility
It's important to follow each instructor's direction about AI in your course. Using AI in ways not permitted by your instructor may violate Marquette’s academic integrity policies.
Also, think about your career after Marquette.
AI will be part of many professions you enter after graduation.
Employers expect not just technical skill but judgment, ethics and accountability. They also want your authentic self, your voice.
Marquette teaches a way of thinking about technology not only for the present moment or the next few years, but for a successful, sustainable career.
What are the key takeaways about using AI at Marquette?
AI can be a helpful learning tool, but it is not a substitute for your thinking.
Your instructors set expectations; when unsure, ask.
Reflect on how AI use affects your learning and integrity.
Use AI in ways that align with Marquette’s values and your own growth.
