By Ashlyn Belote, Staff Writer

AI is easily accessible for everyone, including students. Some are becoming reliant on using AI in class as a shortcut. Because it is not the student’s work, but a collection of pre-existing information, it can be seen as cheating or plagiarism, so many schools and universities have rules on when AI is and isn’t allowed to be used.

Dr. Joseph Tabarlet, professor and chairman of the department of mass communications, said that it is important that institutions have a response to AI usage. “ Having a range of responses to AI is a good idea as opposed to saying don’t use it at all. There needs to be some kind of accommodation to it.” Tabarlet also pointed out that anything put in place is good. “Any policy is better than no policy because if there is no policy, then students are confused about what is ok and what’s not.”

The new UMHB policy is divided into three stoplights: red, yellow, and green. Each is determined by the professor. 

A red light means that AI is prohibited in the class and is not allowed to be used. A class marked with a red light means that all work submitted by students must be fully their own original work. They cannot use AI and can face consequences for doing so.

Green light means that AI is allowed for students to use for anything, such as papers and homework. They do not need to cite that they used AI and do not face the consequences for doing so.

A yellow light indicates that while AI may be used, the student must cite they used AI. Because AI is not a student’s original work but rather a source, it should still be cited. 

Students and professors alike have favored this policy. Senior history major Alexus Pendergrass said, “I believe AI is a powerful tool that will be a major part of everyone’s future whether we want it or not. Having it be allowed to a small degree is probably the best thing to be done to ensure that we understand it.” Pendergrass had also said that some were too lax with how AI was being used, so it is a good thing rules are being enforced. “I am happy that we now have proper guidelines so students can be held to a higher standard” said Pendergrass.

Elise Rollins, senior nursing major said, “I think the new AI policy is very beneficial to students and it is great that the university is still able to see AI as a tool.” 

Senior art major Karsen Wallace felt that depending on the major, this policy is beneficial. Although art students don’t like or use AI, Wallace said, “In some fields, some types of AI are beneficial and very useful, so I think it’s good that professors can decide when to use it.”