Library Guides: Avoiding Plagiarism: What About AI?

What About AI (Artificial Intelligence)?

The acceptable use of artificial intelligence and LLM (large language models) such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and others in the classroom is determined solely by your professor.

Please review your course syllabus and discuss with your professor if you have any questions about using AI for prompting, to brainstorm, or other usage.

Review the links below for guidance on using AI:

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ChatGPT and Fake Citations (Duke University)
"This blog post from Duke University outlines research and writing tasks for which ChatGPT should be used and those tasks for which ChatGPT should not be used. Examples: do not ask ChatGPT for a list of sources or to write your paper, but use it to provide ideas for a particular topic, or revise an awkward sentence."
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Plagiarism (San Jose State University)
"A growing concern is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to write entire essays and articles. While it may be tempting to use AI in this way, please be aware that this is also considered a form of plagiarism."
AI Tools and Resources (University of South Florida)
"If you choose to use ChatGPT or some other generative AI technology for writing, be sure you are transparent about your use of it with your teachers, publishers, and audience. The ethical use of generative AI depends on the context in which it is being used and the expectations of the individuals or organizations involved."

Quick Tip

(Note: The above image was created using Canva AI)

AI has complicated the concept of academic integrity. Some rationalize that “everybody uses AI,” or “AI is just like any other technology tool.”

"Be faithful to this principle: the work you turn in must be authentically yours. Copying AI-produced content verbatim and representing it as your own without attribution is cheating.

"Cheating with AI deprives you of the opportunity to develop your own skills and intellectual confidence. Your personal development requires you to do the hard work of learning.

- from The Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence (2025)