Generative AI Policies at the World's Top Universities

I am sure you have wondered whether or not you are allowed to use AI at your university. But what exactly is allowed and what isn't? When does using AI become cheating? Can I create an outline for my next research paper using AI? Can I use AI to write an essay for me? Previously, we have given you 9 tips on how to use AI without cheating but these tips were very conservative. Your university may actually allow you to do more.

In this guide we break down the AI policies at each of the top 20 universities, as ranked by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, so you can understand how to use generative AI without risking your academic career. However, make sure to check the policy of your university first before using AI for your studies or research.

Why Do Universities Care About Generative AI?

Universities are still making up their minds about how to balance the potential of generative AI with the obvious concerns. Here is why they care - and it’s not all about cheating:

• Academic Integrity: Universities must ensure that everything that is published under their name adheres to the highest academic standards. Otherwise, they may damage their reputation and with it access to top researchers and research funding.

• Data Privacy: When you use AI tools, you might be sharing your personal information or university data. Universities need to protect this information and make sure you understand the risks.

• Developing Essential Skills: Even though AI can do amazing things, it can at the same time prevent you from learning critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Universities want you to develop these skills and so should you. These skills are essential for success in your studies and future careers.

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List of the world's top universities and their policies

Here's a quick rundown of the policies at the top 20 universities. Remember, these are just the highlights, so always check your university's official guidelines and talk to your instructors for details.

1. University of Oxford - You can use AI to support your studies, but acknowledge its use, especially in exams.

   1. https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills/ai-study

   2. https://communications.admin.ox.ac.uk/communications-resources/ai-guidance

2. Stanford University - Don't use AI to complete assignments or exams. Disclose AI use and follow your instructor's guidelines.

   1. https://www.stanford.edu

   2. https://teachingcommons.stanford.edu/teaching-guides/artificial-intelligence-teaching-guide

   3. https://tlhub.stanford.edu/docs/course-policies-on-generative-ai-use/

   4. https://uit.stanford.edu/guide/responsible-ai

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Don't cheat or plagiarize with AI. Use AI ethically and protect your data.

   1. https://www.mit.edu

   2. https://ist.mit.edu/ai-guidance

   3. https://tll.mit.edu/teaching-learning-with-chatgpt-opportunity-or-quagmire-part-iii/

4. Harvard University - Policies vary by school and instructor. Follow your instructor's guidelines and the Honor Code.

   1. https://www.harvard.edu

   2. https://oue.fas.harvard.edu/ai-guidance

   3. https://registrar.gse.harvard.edu/AI-policy

   4. https://www.hbs.edu/mba/handbook/standards-of-conduct/academic/chatgpt-and-ai

5. University of Cambridge - Use AI for personal study and research, but not for summative assessments without permission.

   1. https://www.cam.ac.uk

   2. https://blendedlearning.cam.ac.uk/guidance-support/ai-and-education/using-generative-ai

6. Princeton University - Get permission from your instructor before using AI for any assignment. Disclose AI use and cite sources.

   1. https://www.princeton.edu

   2. https://mcgraw.princeton.edu/generative-ai

7. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - Policies vary by department. Use AI ethically, protect data, and adhere to the Honor Code.

   1. https://www.caltech.edu

   2. https://www.hss.caltech.edu/hss-policies/hss-policy-on-generative-ai

   3. https://www.imss.caltech.edu/services/collaboration-storage-backups/caltech-ai/guidelines-for-secure-and-ethical-use-of-artificial-intelligence-ai

8. Imperial College London - Use AI effectively, ethically, and transparently. Don't use it to write entire assessments or gain an unfair advantage.

   1. https://www.imperial.ac.uk

   2. https://www.imperial.ac.uk/admin-services/library/learning-support/generative-ai-guidance/

   3. https://www.imperial.ac.uk/engineering/departments/aeronautics/study/ug/current-students/policy-on-use-of-generative-ai-tools/

9. University of California, Berkeley - Policies vary by instructor. Use AI for research and grammar correction, but not for exams or plagiarism.

   1. https://www.berkeley.edu

   2. https://oercs.berkeley.edu/appropriate-use-generative-ai-tools

   3. https://rtl.berkeley.edu/ai-teaching-learning-overview

10. Yale University - Policies vary by instructor. Don't use AI-generated text without attribution.

    1. https://www.yale.edu

    2. https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/aiadvicestudents

    3. https://provost.yale.edu/news/guidelines-use-generative-ai-tools

11. ETH Zurich - Use AI responsibly, fairly, and transparently. Disclose AI use and follow ethical guidelines.

    1. https://ethz.ch/en.html

    2. https://ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/main/eth-zurich/education/ai_in_education/Generative%20AI%20in%20Teaching%20and%20Learning%20-%20Guidelines%20ETH.pdf

12. Tsinghua University - No formal policy yet, but emphasizes responsible AI development and adaptation in education.

    1. https://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/

    2. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-09-01/Beyond-the-horizon-Tsinghua-s-guide-to-AI-empowered-universities-1wy0wLfb6BW/p.html

13. The University of Chicago - Don't use AI for assignments or exams unless permitted. Verify AI-generated content and cite sources.

    1. https://www.uchicago.edu

    2. https://its.uchicago.edu/generative-ai-guidance/

    3. https://genai.uchicago.edu/resources/students/generative-ai-student-guide

14. Peking University - Restricts AI use for core academic tasks. Penalties include degree revocation.

    1. https://www.pku.edu.cn/en/

    2. https://stl.pku.edu.cn/uploads/202411/26102211_98533_67921156%5B-%5DSTLAcademicRules-AIPolicy-Fall2024.pdf

15. Johns Hopkins University - Policies vary by course and instructor. Emphasizes academic integrity and responsible AI use.

    1. https://www.jhu.edu

    2. https://teaching.jhu.edu/university-teaching-policies/generative-ai/

    3. https://engineering.jhu.edu/cmts/chatgpt/student-use-of-generative-ai/

16. University of Pennsylvania - Each instructor sets their own policies. Emphasizes transparency, accountability, and ethical considerations.

    1. https://www.upenn.edu

    2. https://isc.upenn.edu/security/statement-guidance-university-pennsylvania-community-use-generative-artificial

    3. https://cetli.upenn.edu/resources/generative-ai/course-policies-communication/

17. Columbia University - Don't use AI for assignments or exams unless permitted. Disclose AI use and cite sources.

    1. https://www.columbia.edu

    2. https://provost.columbia.edu/content/generative-ai

    3. https://students.business.columbia.edu/office-of-student-affairs/academic-advising-and-student-success/academic-integrity/generative-ai-policy

18. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Use AI responsibly and ethically. Follow your instructor's guidelines.

    1. https://www.ucla.edu

    2. https://genai.ucla.edu/

    3. https://senate.ucla.edu/news/teaching-guidance-chatgpt-and-related-ai-developments

19. National University of Singapore (NUS) - You can use AI for assignments, but follow academic honesty and plagiarism rules. Acknowledge AI use.

    1. https://www.nus.edu.sg

    2. https://ctlt.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NUS2023-Policy-For-Use-of-AI-in-TL.pdf

20. Cornell University - Policies vary by instructor. Emphasizes accountability, data privacy, and responsible AI use.

    1. https://www.cornell.edu

    2. https://it.cornell.edu/ai/ai-guidelines

    3. https://teaching.cornell.edu/generative-artificial-intelligence/ai-academic-integrity

Key Takeaways for You

• Universities around the world take different positions on how much they allow the use of generative AI.

• Policies will change frequently as the technology evolves.

• Always check your course syllabus and assignment guidelines. Your instructors have the final say on how you can use AI in their courses.

• When in doubt, ask! Talk to your instructors if you're unsure about AI policies or how to use AI tools responsibly.

• Use AI to enhance your learning, not replace it. These tools can be powerful allies in your academic journey, but they shouldn't do the work for you.

• Be aware of the ethical implications. AI tools can have biases and limitations. Use them critically and responsibly.

Generative AI is here to stay, and it's changing the academic landscape. Use AI ethically, make the most of it, and excell in your studies. Good luck!

Try thesify for free today. Your responsible AI writing help.

Other Works cited

1. How to Craft a Generative AI Use Policy in Higher Education - EdTech Magazine, accessed February 14, 2025, https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2024/07/how-craft-generative-ai-use-policy-higher-education-perfcon

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