Laurentian drafts guidelines for responsible AI use

Laurentian University has drafted guidelines to promote the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) while maintaining academic integrity. The guidelines, developed by the university’s executive team and presented by Provost Alain Simard to the LU Senate on May 19, emphasize transparency, critical judgment, and adherence to existing policies on academic integrity and research ethics. Users are required to disclose AI use in coursework and verify accuracy, bias, and appropriateness in materials produced with AI tools. The document highlights AI literacy as a crucial skill for contemporary and future workplaces but warns against over-reliance on AI, which could compromise independent thinking. Students are encouraged to use AI as a supportive resource rather than a replacement for critical analysis. Intellectual property rights must also be respected when using AI to generate text materials. To complement the guidelines, Laurentian University offers a self-paced course called *Foundations of Generative AI* through its internal learning platform, D2L. The course covers AI’s functionality, benefits, challenges, and responsible usage in teaching, learning, research, and accessibility. All students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to complete the course alongside the guidelines. The draft guidelines will undergo further consultation with the senate and will be reviewed annually to address emerging developments in GenAI technologies and evolving ethical considerations. Provost Simard invited feedback via email to refine the document before final approval.