GenAI in Teaching and Learning

Transparent disclosure of where and how GenAI has been used in research, teaching, learning, and other work builds trust and supports a culture of openness, innovation, and integrity. Transparency works to demystify AI, helping our community better understand its impact and potential. 

How to practice Transparency: 

• Disclose when you have used GenAI and how it was used.  
• Prioritise clarity and open communication regarding specific GenAI use guidelines at the course, department, or Faculty level. 
• Stay informed! As AI becomes embedded in our digital workspaces, it can be challenging to know when a tool is powered by AI.

Ensuring choice for students, staff, and faculty when it comes to GenAI respects the autonomy of our community members and recognizes that the technology behind GenAI, and the ways it can be deployed, are complex and not value-neutral. You are encouraged to learn about these complexities and should be free to use GenAI (or not) in ways that align with personal values and beliefs.​ 

How to practice Choice: 

• Faculty have the choice to restrict the use of GenAI in a specific course or assignment. These restrictions should be clearly communicated at multiple points.
• If you are asking peers, colleagues, or students to make use of GenAI, be prepared to provide an option for those that prefer traditional methods. Opting out should not disadvantage student learning.  
• Protect others’ freedom of choice regarding sharing their work with GenAI tools – don’t upload work that is not your own into any GenAI tool.

As a community we have strong existing values when it comes to teaching and learning, reflected in our commitments to DEDI, sustainability, experiential education, and student access and success. While some aspects of GenAI challenge these values, in other ways it can help support them if used thoughtfully and effectively. ​ 

How to find your alignment with core values: 

• Learn more about how GenAI poses both opportunities and challenges to our values on the Ethics page.  
• Consider emerging research and resources on the impacts of GenAI for sustainability, equity, decolonization and student access, such as this UNESCO report. 
• Explore how your peers and scholars are approaching these issues in your own disciplinary and professional contexts. 

Given its undeniable influence in reshaping higher education and the future of our society, York students, faculty, and staff should all work towards a deeper understanding of GenAI technology, suitable to each person’s needs and context. GenAI literacy touches not only on technological knowledge and the use of specific tools, but also on critical thinking, ethical considerations, and responsible usage.  

How to increase your AI Literacy: 

• Start with GenAI 101. 
• Faculty: Visit the Teaching Commons site to learn about courses and workshops for faculty related to GenAI.
• Students: Discover more resources on the For Students page. 

York is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity in all areas of academic life, including teaching, learning, and research. In response to GenAI, updating and revising existing academic integrity practices, course assessments, and degree-level standards may be necessary.  

How to practice Academic Integrity: 

• Review York’s Academic Conduct Policy. Sections 5.2 and 6.2 pertain to GenAI use in course work.  
• Faculty: Practice integrity in your own teaching practices.  You can find additional support here. 
• Students: Ensure you know the policy on GenAI use for each course, as instructors may vary in their approaches. You can find additional support here.​