Student Resources

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is among the forces promising to disrupt and change work and life as we have known it. Because AI capacities and use are changing so quickly, engaging this tool – or challenge – requires us to regularly revise and evolve our responses as a community. In other words, we need to continue to figure this out together and we need to do that using the most reliable lens that we have, PLU’s mission and values. This collective discernment also requires us to understand what it means to be AI literate and to consider issues of equity and impact on environment The complexity associated with ethical use of AI also requires us to determine what is necessary to position PLU graduates for future contributions to their communities and the job markets that they are entering.

PLU does not have a universal policy on AI as technology will adapt and grow faster than we can respond and guidance for appropriate use of AI varies with the uniqueness of academic disciplines. For example, AI use in Computer Science will look quite different from AI use in Philosophy. 

PLU values AI literacy, especially as it pertains to your particular field of study and encourages students to have direct conversations regarding AI with faculty and peers in their courses. Overall, while AI can be used as a possible tool to support your learning, it is not a replacement for critical thinking or for your direct voice and experience. 

In academic settings, using AI to complete assignments may be considered academic dishonesty, depending on course policies. In some disciplines, using AI to complete coursework challenges the integrity of learning and assessment and can increase the likelihood of an alleged violation of PLU’s academic integrity policy.

From a wellbeing perspective, overreliance on AI can lead to “cognitive outsourcing,” where individuals depend on tools instead of developing their own thinking and problem-solving skills. This may weaken critical thinking, affect learning processes, and even influence relationships and mental health by reducing meaningful human engagement.

Reliability is also a concern. AI systems can generate incorrect information or fabricate sources and citations, making them difficult to fully trust without verification. If you, as the author, don’t have the foundation of knowledge to know when information is correct or not, AI can quickly become the “least smartest person” you choose to work with.

Creativity is a concern, as significant use of AI may reduce how original and unique your work is. When many people rely on similar tools, outputs can become homogenized. The process of struggling through ideas, drafting, and revising is a crucial part of learning. Bypassing this “productive struggle” may limit intellectual growth and deeper understanding.

Elon University has developed this freely available student guide for using AI that you might find helpful in navigating your choices about AI use. 

PLU is dedicated to staying informed about evolving Artificial Intelligence technology while remaining rooted in our core values and prioritizing the academic goals and holistic learning experience of our students. We commit to ongoing discernment and support as technology and workplace landscapes shift and more AI knowledge is required for professional advancement. 

Our community is also committed to providing equitable access to AI technology. As these tools evolve, the university will prioritize reasonable AI availability while encouraging faculty, staff, and students to emphasize trust, transparency, and consent in all shared or collaborative work.