Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) is excited to announce the launch of new guidance on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for graduate students and supervisors. As GenAI tools, such as large language models (LLMs), continue to evolve, their application in academia brings both innovative possibilities and important considerations for academic integrity and responsible use.
GenAI uses advanced algorithms to generate text, images, music, and code that mimics human work. These tools can be valuable in research and writing, assisting students with idea development, data analysis, drafting, coding, and more. In addition, GenAI can enhance accessibility by offering assistive writing tools for students with disabilities.
However, with these advancements come critical implications for graduate studies. The new guiding principles cover best practices for GenAI use across graduate coursework, research proposals, thesis writing, and other academic milestones.
Key guidance for students and supervisors
- Academic integrity: GenAI use should always align with academic integrity policies. Students must ensure that the use of such tools is permitted by their course instructors or research supervisors. In many cases, permission will depend on the course or discipline.
- Proper documentation: If students use GenAI for any part of their research or coursework, they are required to document its use properly. This includes citing any content generated by AI and clearly stating what role the AI played in their work.
- Student accountability: Students are fully responsible for the content and accuracy of any work submitted, even if supported by GenAI. During assessments such as thesis defenses, students must be able to explain and defend the content created with GenAI tools.
- Limitations of GenAI: It is important to remember that GenAI tools synthesize information based on existing data, which may include inaccuracies or biases. GenAI does not create new knowledge, and students should critically assess the outputs it generates.
- Ethics and privacy: The University advises caution when using GenAI, particularly with respect to privacy, copyright, and security. Students and supervisors should be aware of the ethical implications and ensure that GenAI use complies with privacy guidelines.
Evolving resources
As the field of GenAI continues to grow, the University of Waterloo is committed to regularly updating its resources to reflect the latest developments.
For more information, graduate students are encouraged to contact Ashley Ryan, Graduate and Postdoctoral Programming Specialist, while supervisors can reach out to Justin Wan, Interim Co-Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.