AI for Teaching Learning Toolkit: Policy & Recommendations
The University of Texas at Austin has issued guidance on many aspects of generative AI and other AI technologies on campus. You can find a list of relevant policies and recommendations below, as well as answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Requiring Generative AI in the Classroom (Office of Academic Technology) – See tips for how to prepare students to use generative AI tools in the classroom.
AI Detection Software Guidance (Office of Academic Technology) – Dig into our stance on AI detection software and its privacy implications.
Resolving Academic Misconduct (Division of Student Affairs) – See what the process of reporting an incident of academic misconduct like unauthorized use of AI entails.
Acceptable Use of Generative AI Tools (Information Security Office) – Become familiar with uses of AI that are allowable and prohibited under University guidance and state law.
Local and Cloud Services Decision Matrix (Information Security Office) – Understand what kinds of data can be used with which tools.
AI Use in Graduate Education (Office of Academic Technology and the Graduate School) – Explore a set of recommendations for departments creating and maintaining generative AI policies for graduate students.
How do I access AI tools and use them with students?
All of UT’s sanctioned tools are free. The one designed to be used directly with students is UT Sage, an AI tutor platform that integrates with Canvas. See Tools for descriptions of each tool and links.
Can I use an AI detector on student work?
UT does not endorse AI-detection software and holds no central contract for it. See the AI Detection Software Guidelines policy for more details.
Can I run student work through AI to grade it?
There are many reasons to think twice before automating aspects of the teaching and feedback process. Instructor guidance is a crucial part of the learning process.
Do I have to address AI in my syllabus?
Yes. Every syllabus must include a course AI policy that designates whether AI is permitted, prohibited, or partially permitted, with clear conditions for use. If you permit or partially permit AI, give written instructions on what is allowed and how students should disclose their use. See the sample statements in Your Syllabus at UT Austin.
Can I require students to use a generative AI tool?
Yes, if such use is essential to the assessment of course learning outcomes. Where the tools are recommended but not required, we suggest that instructors provide accommodations to students with reasonable objections. In all cases, use of AI tools should be carried out responsibly. See Recommended Practices for Requiring Generative AI in the Classroom for more information.
How should AI use be cited?
Diligence about transparent use is a key aspect of AI fluency. The Office of Academic Technology recommends that appropriate citations and AI disclosure statements be included in significant work products. Check your discipline’s or professional organization’s style guide for more information about how to appropriately disclose AI use in your context.
If you have any questions about these guidelines or policies, please contact the Office of Academic Technology at oat@utexas.edu.