“A note on Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools: Inserting AI-generated text into an assignment without proper attribution is a violation of academic integrity, and using AI tools in a manner that was not authorized by your instructor may also be considered a breach of academic integrity. How and whether instructors permit you to use AI writing tools at Yale will vary widely from course to course, and is always subject to each instructor’s authority and policy. Always check with your instructor before using these tools to produce your Yale coursework. Guidelines about these practices may change over time, so be sure to ask for the most up to date policy.”
For questions about how to handle potential academic integrity violations by Yale College students, please reach out to the Executive Committee.
Surveillance / Detection Technology to Identify AI Work
AI detectors vary in reliability and are (per a late-2025 study from Chicago’s Booth school) “unsuitable for high-stakes applications.” Several companies claim to offer programs that detect AI writing with a high degree of accuracy, but given the ever-evolving capabilities of AI the Poorvu Center doesn’t endorse the use of AI detection software or enable such features in Canvas. If you are concerned about a Yale College student’s use of AI, please consult the Handbook for Instructors of Undergraduates in Yale College and consider contacting the Executive Committee. Graduate and Professional schools have their own policies and procedures.
In cases of suspected misuse it is good practice to talk to the student about your observations of the level of work or any changes in the work that may have caused you to suspect AI use. This becomes a discussion focused more on standards and the writing process and less on accusations. The Poorvu Center also maintains resources on AI-Resilient assessments and writing pedagogy.
Citing AI & Plagiarism
Teach students to accurately cite generative AI outputs. This is an opportunity to explore what kind of a source AI constitutes. For an excellent overview of the complexities of AI plagiarism, check out the University of Chicago Law School’s article.
AI Course & Assignment Design Topics
Explore our resources to learn more.
