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Course Outline AI Statement

^{Creating a Course Outline Statement About Generative AI}

If you would like to complete the corresponding activity with this webpage, please download the worksheet resource here.

A statement on the use of GenAI is an important part of your overall course outline that indicates whether GenAI use is acceptable, allowed only in specific situations, or

unacceptable in your course. For additional information, please consult Western’s Senate Academic Policy on Course Outlines.

There are several important considerations for crafting a GenAI course outline statement.

Reflect on the Purpose of a GenAI Course Outline Statement

The purpose of a clear course outline statement on GenAI is to remove uncertainty or ambiguity around appropriate use for your course. Wherever you are on the GenAI adoption spectrum, the purpose of a well-crafted GenAI course outline statement is to clearly communicate your expectations of students’ GenAI use in your course.

When drafting your statement, consider how it reflects the International Centre for Academic Integrity’s (2025) Six Fundamental Values of Academic Integrity. These values are: Honesty; Trust; Fairness; Respect; Responsibility; Courage. More information on these can be found through the International Centre for Academic Integrity.

Identify the Key Elements of an GenAI Course Outline Statement

There are 5 key elements of a GenAI course outline statement, each demonstrating fundamental values of academic integrity (noted in brackets below). These elements as well as example statements are provided below. You can use the attached worksheet to practice developing your own GenAI course outline statement:

Specify if use is prohibited, unrestricted, or limited to specific uses/assignments.
Example statement: GenAI tools may not be used in the completion of any work submitted for grades.

Justify why students should or shouldn’t be allowed to us GenAI.
Example statement: GenAI can be a great tool for learning but using it undiscerningly can reduce critical thinking or cause you to lose out on valuable learning experiences and the development of key skills. These rules will help ensure that GenAI is used to support, not replace, your learning.

Clarify citation and documentation guidelines if GenAI is used.
Example statement: Any use of GenAI tools in the preparation of assignments must be clearly acknowledged, including identification of the GenAI tool(s) used, an explanation of how they were used (e.g., brainstorming, outlining, drafting, editing, or summarization), and the extent to which GenAI-generated content appears in the final submission.

Specify how students can still participate and clarify guidelines for opting out.
Example statement: In some assignments, the use of generative GenAI tools is required. Students who are unable or unwilling to use such tools may request an alternative assignment which will allow students to meet the same learning outcomes.

Communicate as you would about cheating, plagiarism etc.
Example statement: Failure to follow the course policy regarding GenAI may constitute a breach of academic integrity and will be addressed in accordance with institutional academic misconduct policies.

GenAI has and will continue to impact assessment and learning, and a well-crafted course outline statement can help communicate your expectations and values to students. Remember that a course outline statement is just one (though important) element of your approach to supporting learning in your course and limiting the misuse of GenAI.

Further resources with exemplars are linked for you below. Review these exemplars as relevant and practice crafting your own using the template below:

Lance Eaton’s Syllabi Policy Exemplars for GenAI

Sample Syllabus Language from Carleton

Domains of AI-Awareness for Education: Chapter 3.4 Crafting the Syllabus Statement

If you would like help drafting or reviewing your GenAI course outline statement or other support around GenAI in your class, please reach out to our team: ctl@uwo.ca

Course Outline AI Statement

Creating a Course Outline Statement About Generative AI

1. Define acceptable and unacceptable use of GenAI in your course (responsibility, courage)

2. Provide a rationale for the decisions made around GenAI use in your courses (trust/transparency, respect, courage)

3. Explain expectations around referencing GenAI use in assignments (honesty)

4. If possible, provide alternatives if GenAI use is mandated (respect)

5. Provide clear repercussions for violating the policy (fairness)

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