Artificial Intelligence Use

This policy establishes the minimum standards required across all BUSPH programs related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in teaching and learning, and delegates authority to instructors to define course-specific rules. The goal of the policy is to ensure clarity, fairness, and integrity in academic work.

This policy will be regularly reviewed and revised to reflect emerging technologies and evolving standards, ensuring responsible use.

Minimum Standards

• Transparency: If AI tools are used in any stage of work (e.g., brainstorming, editing, coding, data analysis), students must clearly acknowledge their use, including which tool was used and how.
• Responsibility and accountability: Students remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of all submitted work, regardless of whether AI contributed. Note that any use of AI that produces discriminatory findings (e.g., biased, unfair, or inequitable treatment of any group), whether intentional or not, will be subject to review and evaluated against the BUSPH Expectations of Ourselves at Our Best (outlined in every BUSPH syllabus).
• Privacy: Students must not input confidential, sensitive, or personally identifiable information into AI platforms.
• Prohibited uses unacceptable in all BUSPH courses:
  • Submitting AI-generated text, analysis, code, or images without attribution (plagiarism).
  • Using AI to create or manipulate data or research findings.

Course-Level Policies

While these BUSPH-wide rules apply universally, individual instructors have the authority to set specific AI policies for their courses and assignments. Faculty may:

• Prohibit all AI use.
• Allow unrestricted AI use (with clear requirements on transparency).
• Allow limited AI use with clear conditions (e.g., for editing or brainstorming only, with attribution).

Faculty must state their AI policy explicitly in the syllabus and clarify expectations for each assignment.

Ethical Guidance

Students should approach AI tools with the same standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism expected in all academic work. AI should be used to support learning and creativity, not to replace critical thinking, misrepresent authorship, or compromise ethical standards. Misuse of AI can result in violations of the BU Academic Conduct Code.

Effective: Approved by Education Committee, September 25, 2025