AI USE GUIDELINES

Introduction:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to transform various aspects of human life, from education and health to economy and security. As University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) we recognize the importance of embracing AI as a strategic asset for advancing our academic and research missions. However, we also acknowledge the ethical and social implications of AI, and the need to ensure its responsible and beneficial use. These guidelines aim to establish ethical, transparent, and responsible practices that guide the integration and use of artificial intelligence in research, education, and development fostering a positive and socially conscious impact on both the university community and society at large.

These Guidelines outline the standards and expectations related to the use of AI within the (UM6P), as well as the goals and vision for the integration of AI across our curricula and research.

Q01: What is ChatGPT and what is generative artificial intelligence?

Answer: ChatGPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI. Short for Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT), ChatGPT is a tool designed to generate human-like responses to prompts. This AI system is a Large Language Model (LLM) that has been trained on a dataset to have conversational interactions with users.

While ChatGPT is well known, it is a part of a wider framework of generative AI. This type of AI creates new content based on the data it has learned during its training to perform tasks and can iteratively improve themselves based on the information they collect. The content generated can take a variety of forms: text, images, code, videos, etc. In addition to ChatGPT, there is a diverse array of other AI tools, such as Bing (Copilot AI), Bard, DeepDream and DALL-E 2.

Q02: Is the use of AI tools considered as an academic misconduct at UM6P?

Answer: While there is no university-wide ban on generative AI tools use, decisions regarding their incorporation into courses lie with individual instructors or head of department. Preserving academic integrity is paramount, and the use of AI tools must align with these principles, avoiding any facilitation of academic misconduct such as plagiarism of cheating (see plagiarism policy). Instructors are strongly encouraged to communicate their expectations early in the semester. Students are permitted to leverage AI tools for assistance in assignments, but disclosure is mandatory, and usage should comply with course guidelines and ethical standards, ensuring a transparent and ethical integration of AI technology in academic endeavors at UM6P.

Q03: Is it acceptable for students to utilize AI tools for completing assignments?

Answer: UM6P expects students to independently complete assignments. The university underscores the core principle of academic integrity, emphasizing students' responsibility to produce their own work. Thus, students are permitted to incorporate these tools only when explicitly allowed by their instructors. Instructors are encouraged to articulate clear guidelines on the acceptable use of generative AI tools in assessments, moving beyond vague references and ensuring responsible and ethical integration within the framework of academic integrity.

Here are some examples of statements that can be found in a syllabus to clarify if the use of AI is allowed or not, and why.

• Can use Generative AI tools:

– Students are encouraged to utilize technology, including tools based on generative artificial intelligence.

– Proper citation is required for any content generated by an artificial intelligence tool.

– Students have the option to employ generative artificial intelligence tools while completing this assignment. Their use must be documented in an appendix.

• Can't use Generative AI tools:

– Utilizing generative artificial intelligence tools or applications for this assignment, including tools such as ChatGPT and other AI writing or coding assistants, is not allowed.

– Presenting an idea or expression, generated by AI, as one's own may be regarded as an academic offense.

Q04: If a student is allowed to utilize Artificial Intelligence for an assignment, how should they properly cite it?

Answer: UM6P mandates that students cite any content produced by AI tools. Guidance is provided on how to cite generative AI use in MLA, APA and Chicago Style.

• Citing in MLA: How do I cite generative AI in MLA style?
• Citing in APA: How to cite ChatGPT
• Citing in Chicago Style: How do you recommend citing AI-generated content?

Q05: What should an instructor do if they suspect a student may have used unauthorized AI during the completion of an assessment?

Answer: UM6P's policy mandates an initial non-adversarial conversation. This dialogue prioritizes fostering understanding and education. After this conversation, instructors can proceed with the formal process for addressing academic misconduct concerns.

Q06: Is Artificial Intelligence accurate and reliable?

Answer: LLM lies in their ability to predict the next word in a sentence, maintaining context over extended portions of text and generating generally coherent responses. However, a notable challenge arises in the accuracy of stating facts or quotations, where these models may produce claims that sound authentic but can be inaccurate. The risk of perpetuating online biases remains as generative AI systems are trained on online materials.

Q07: Can AI be used in writing and/or developing manuscripts?

Answer: As you leverage AI as a tool for writing and manuscript development, adherence to ethical guidelines is paramount. It is crucial to transparently disclose the use of AI and ensure that its application aligns with the principles of research integrity. Be cautious in relying on these models for stating facts or quotations accurately.

Q08: How should the use of AI be reported in my research?

Answer: The UM6P underscores the importance of transparency and scholarly integrity by the explicit report of AI utilization within the methodology section of research publications. Scholars are required to provide clear and detailed accounts of AI tools, algorithms, or models employed in their research.

Q09: Can AI be listed as an author?

Answer: AI models, including ChatGPT, cannot meet the requirements for authorship due to their inability to take responsibility for submitted work, manage conflicts of interest, or handle copyright and license agreements. Moroccan law designates authors as natural persons who exercise skill and judgment in the creation of a work, thereby excluding AI entities from authorship (see Authorship and Publication of Results policy).

Q10: How can AI be responsibly applied in development?

Answer: AI must be used in a manner that upholds the UM6P's commitment to the following principles:

– Human-centricity and well-being: UM6P underscores the paramount importance of human-centricity and well-being in the development and implementation of AI. Every individual engaged in AI within the university is obligated to uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of those impacted by their work (see Human Subjects Research).

– Data security and privacy: Individuals involved in AI research and development are expected to respect the privacy of individuals and strictly adhere to confidentiality standards. They must familiarize themselves with national and international normative frameworks governing privacy, personal data usage, copyright, and related rights.

– Responsibility: UM6P is firmly dedicated to the responsible integration of AI. The university underscores the critical importance of considering the ethical implications of AI applications and urges AI actors to ensure the responsible functioning of AI systems.

– Explainability: UM6P prioritizes the development of inherently explainable algorithms, particularly when the impact on end users is substantial and enduring.

– Transparency: Transparency facilitates effective challenges to decisions derived from AI systems, safeguarding essential rights such as the right to a fair trial and an effective remedy.

– Accuracy: A pivotal element of UM6P's commitment involves the clear recognition and communication of sources of error and uncertainty in algorithms and data.

– Autonomy: UM6P is dedicated to ensuring that AI technologies are deployed in a manner that enhances decision-making processes without inappropriately delegating authority in ways that could compromise autonomy.

Example n°01: Helping to understand a topic

Use AI as a tutor to understand topics more deeply. It's faster to get detailed answers from AI than from search engines because AI gathers information from multiple sources and can engage in conversation. This means you can ask questions in different ways until you find the answer you're looking for.

Source: D. Hough (2023)

Example n°02: Evaluate your knowledge

AI can generate questions to assess your understanding. You can customize the question types, such as multiple choice or short answer, and select the difficulty level.

Source: D. Hough (2023)

Example n°03: Choosing a topic

Sometimes, when given the freedom to choose a topic, it can be difficult to know all available options, especially if you lack expertise. AI can provide an overview and assist in guiding your research.

Source: D. Hough (2023)

Example n°04: Use for Referencing

There are various methods for citing and referencing scientific literature and online resources. If you are not familiar with online reference managers, AI tools can help you format your sources.

Source: D. Hough (2023)