Preventing Student Plagiarism
Academic Integrity and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)
Generative AI (GenAI) becomes a normal part of learning, teaching, and assessment at PolyU from Semester One 2023/24. The University takes an open and forward-looking stance on the use of GenAI tools as a positive and creative force in education, and the incorporation of such use in innovative learning, teaching, and assessment practices. PolyU allows the use of GenAI for take-home continuous assessment tasks, but also upholds the principle that students should be accountable for their own work.
Using GenAI in Assessments and Assignments
Teachers should consider academic integrity carefully when designing assessments. If students are allowed to use GenAI tools to help them create their assignment submission, clearly state to what extent they can use it and whether they have to complete the Honour Declaration Form for Submitting Assignments.
Teachers may have to reconsider how their assignments are designed in order to help students uphold academic integrity, and so that GenAI can be used to assist with, but not complete an assignment for a student. Please see https://www.polyu.edu.hk/edc/explore-a-topic/generative-ai/ for more information about redesigning assessment practices.
Using the Honour Declaration Form
The responsible use of GenAI tools to produce text and other media, as part of the process of developing student submissions, needs to be clearly acknowledged using the Honour Declaration Form for Submitting Assignments.
Departments, programmes, and subject teachers concerned have the responsibility to inform students of the need to ensure academic integrity, the relevant requirements, and the consequences of breaching these requirements. Students should complete the honour declaration form to state that GenAI tools have or have not been used.
Citing the use of GenAI content
Students should acknowledge where GenAI tools have been used in an assessment according to accepted academic conventions. Teachers should explain clearly to their students what citation style is required for their subject. For details on citation styles, please refer to the PolyU library webpage.
Useful Links
PolyU Regulations on Academic Integrity:
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ar/academic-integrity/introduction/
Honour Declaration Form for Submitting Assignments:
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/Content/Explore a topic/Academic Integrity/Honour Declaration Forms
Sample Letter to Students:
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/Content/Explore a topic/Academic Integrity/Sample Letter
Student Handbook:
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ar/students-in-taught-programmes/student-handbook/
Contact
Dr Barbara Tam, barbara.tam@polyu.edu.hk, 2766 5108