Adopted 9/4/2025
Appropriate Uses of AI
Graduate students may use AI tools for the following purposes:
- Brainstorming and developing ideas
- Editing grammar and style
- Improving clarity and communication, especially for non-native English speakers
Limitations and Risks
Students should be aware of the following limitations:
- AI may produce inaccurate, biased, or misleading content
- Confidentiality is not guaranteed; input may be stored or reused
- Uploading unpublished manuscripts or sensitive data is not permitted
- AI-generated content may violate plagiarism or copyright policies
Guidelines for Research Use
- Verify all AI-generated content using credible, peer-reviewed sources
- Document/record prompts and outputs if AI is used in idea development or analysis
- Do not use AI to generate any portions of academic writing unless explicitly permitted
- Avoid sharing confidential or proprietary information with AI platforms
Guidelines for Writing Use
- Grammar and style checks are generally acceptable and do not require disclosure
- Generating substantive content with AI may be considered plagiarism
- Review publisher and journal policies before submitting work
- Disclose AI use when required, typically in the Methods section, Acknowledgments, or cover letter
Ethical and Professional Standards
- AI tools cannot be listed as authors
- Seek approval from your advisor and all co-authors before using AI in collaborative work
- Verify all AI-generated data or claims
- Do not upload sensitive subject data to AI platforms
- Understand the terms of service and data practices of any AI tool you use
Journal and Agency Policies
- Reviewers must not use AI to analyze confidential submissions
- Agencies such as the NIH prohibit AI use in peer review
- Most academic journals require disclosure of AI use and prohibit AI-generated figures or text unless clearly described in the research method
Examples of Publisher Policies
Summary of Expectations
- Use AI tools thoughtfully and ethically
- Disclose AI use when required
- Do not upload confidential or unpublished work
- Maintain full responsibility for the content you submit
- Misuse or undisclosed AI use may be considered academic misconduct