Policy on AI Usage in the Classroom

The emergence of generative AI presents both new opportunities and complex challenges for higher education. As we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape at Earlham College, we recognize that faculty, staff, and students hold a range of views on its use. Some members of our community raise ethical, pedagogical, or developmental concerns; others are focused on issues of equity, sustainability, or academic integrity; and others see new possibilities for research and pedagogy in the use of generative AI.

This policy does not attempt to resolve all of these concerns, nor does it promote a single approach to the use of AI. Rather, it provides a framework that supports academic integrity, transparency, and the autonomy of faculty to make decisions appropriate to their courses and disciplines. Ultimately, it seeks to reflect Earlham’s shared commitment to integrity, honesty, and the pursuit of truth.

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in curricular activities, guided by our Principle and Practice of Integrity. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and affiliated individuals who use AI tools, platforms, and services in curricular activities at Earlham College.

Faculty members have the freedom to determine if or how students are allowed to use generative AI tools in the classroom, and are expected to communicate course and assignment expectations clearly to students.

Faculty must clearly communicate expectations for how students should engage with these tools on each assignment. Faculty are encouraged to communicate to students the reasons behind their approach to AI. Policies on AI use should be clearly stated and these policies may range from total prohibition to wide latitude to use AI.

Students are responsible for understanding and following all course policies as stated by their instructors on course syllabi and assignments.

If a faculty member does not provide a statement on the use of AI, then Earlham does not prohibit its use as long as students clearly disclose the use of all generative AI tools (in line with academically recognized citation and references) in their academic work, including any assistance received in their academic endeavors.

Academic Integrity: The use of AI must be in accordance with academic integrity and must not undermine the credibility of academic work. Any use of AI to complete assignments, research, or exams must be transparent and in accordance with Earlham College’s academic integrity policy.

Integrity calls for us to take responsibility for our actions and decisions. Users of AI should be mindful of the potential biases inherent in AI systems and their implications for fairness, accuracy, and inclusivity. Faculty and students should critically evaluate the outputs of AI systems and avoid

reinforcing harmful stereotypes, biases, or discriminatory practices. The use of AI does not transfer responsibility for the content created. Users remain fully accountable for the appropriateness, accuracy, and ethical compliance of any work they submit.

April 30, 2025   

EC Faculty Meeting approved the policy as presented by the Curricular Policy Committee

April 9, 2025   

Curricular Policy Committee presents the proposed policy to the EC Faculty Meeting