Student Use of AI and Limitations

This policy outlines the acceptable use of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative tools (such as ChatGPT, Bard, Microsoft Copilot and other large language models) for all students. The purpose of this policy is to uphold academic integrity and ensure that all submitted work is a true representation of the student's own effort and learning. CLI wants to help you develop as a critical thinker and writer, and inappropriate AI usage can strongly hurt student learning and growth.

We sincerely hope our students desire to learn and grow here at CLI and thus will be careful to set their minds on learning and developing to be an equipped Christian leader, able to engage with Scripture and those around them in ways that glorify God. 2 Timothy 2:15-16 says, “15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,” (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles). And 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.).

General Principles

1.     Human-Generated Work: The foundation of our academic process is that all quizzes, exams, essays, and assignments are completed by the student.

2.     AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: AI tools can be used to support your learning, such as for brainstorming ideas, improving grammar and spelling, or summarizing complex topics. They are not to be used as a substitute for your own critical thinking, analysis, and writing.

3.     Cited Material: No more than 30% of a paper should be paraphrased or directly-quoted content. And proper citations must be given for all paraphrased or direct quotes.

4.     Automated Detection: CLI utilizes automated software to detect unusual quiz-taking and writing patterns, which will result in an academic integrity investigation.

Prohibited AI Usage

The use of AI is forbidden for the following actions:

1.     Writing or Generating Assignments: You may not use AI to write essays, reports, or any part of an assignment that is intended to be your original work. Submitting AI-generated text as your own is a form of plagiarism and is dishonest. Students should seek to use their own words and style in their written work and to understand the building blocks of writing effectively. 

2.     Completing Quizzes or Exams: You may not use AI to answer questions on quizzes, tests, or exams. This is considered cheating.

3.     Generating Code or Data: Unless explicitly permitted by your instructor, you may not use AI to generate code, data, or research findings for a graded assignment.

Allowable AI Usage

Students may utilize AI in the following manner:

1.     Research Assistance: You may use AI tools to assist in investigating for writing (similar to how someone might use an encyclopedia or web search), but it may not be used to write the assignment or paper.

a.      When AI is allowed as a research tool, the student must properly cite the AI tool and the prompt used, as directed by the course instructor or the institutional citation guide.

2.     Proofreading/Editing: You may use proofreading or editing functions before submitting the paper, but they should be used with caution, especially in Composition/Writing classes. If the use of the proofreading/editing function results in substantial changes to the content, structure, or original argument of your work, it shall be considered a violation of the prohibition against AI writing/generating assignments.

a.       In courses specifically designed to teach writing fundamentals (e.g., Composition/Writing classes), instructors may prohibit or severely limit the use of any AI-based editing tools.

3.     If you have any questions about whether AI is permissible for a specific assignment, you must ask your instructor for clarification before using the tool.

Reporting and Consequences

1.     Responsibility: You are responsible for any and all work you submit. If AI-generated content is found in your work without explicit permission and proper citation (if allowed), you will be in violation of the academic integrity policy.

2.     Violation of Policy: Any violation of this policy will be treated as a case of academic misconduct. Consequences may include a failing grade for the assignment, a failing grade for the course, or further disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.