Generative AI at Royal Roads University

Learning, Teaching, and Student Research

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI, AI) describes algorithms and technologies that can be used to produce new content, such as text, audio, code, images, simulations, and videos. The algorithms that power Generative AI are oftentimes called Large Language Models (LLMs), and the terms LLM and Generative AI are sometimes used as synonyms. We refer to this technology as Generative AI. Generative AI differs from prior technological advances in that it evolves on its own with use. 

Statement of Principle

It is in this context that RRU embraces the following statement of principle for Generative AI in learning, research, and teaching:

Generative AI has the potential to impact our world rapidly and fundamentally. It has already presented opportunities and challenges. 

Consistent with our Learning, Teaching and Research Model, we take the social constructivist perspective that learning takes place through interactions with others and our world. In keeping with our vision to empower people with the courage to change the world, we see a future where Generative AI can be harnessed through our interactions with it to make positive change. 

We assume that students will behave ethically and comply with the University Policy on Academic Integrity and Misconduct - Students. We focus on empowering students to not only learn effective and ethical use of Generative AI, but also to excel in an environment where Generative AI will play a prominent and integral role. We do this aligned with the principles of transparency, fairness and accountability in a culture centred on shared learning.   

Generative AI by its nature does not lend itself to a singular approach and its ability to evolve will require us to continually review and respond as we all move toward new ways of learning, teaching, research, and assessment. 

Expectations

Students may use Generative AI compliant with the direction of their course instructor or supervisor and the University Policy on Academic Integrity and Misconduct - Students. Where they are unsure of the interpretation of the use of Generative AI in any course, students should inquire with their instructor, supervisor, or Program Head. Use of Generative AI for research must be declared in the request for ethical review of research submitted to the Research Ethics Board (REB) and approved before use in research.

Guidance for Students

Maintain your academic integrity

  • Royal Roads University follows an educational approach set out in our Learning, Teaching and Research Model. This Model highlights learning that is applied and authentic, caring and community-based, and transformational. To maintain these principles, we expect all members of the university community to uphold recognized standards of academic integrity, demonstrating a personal commitment to truth. 
  • You are responsible for ensuring the academic integrity of your work, and advances in Generative AI technologies do not alter this accountability. Familiarize yourself with the University Policy on Academic Integrity and Misconduct - Students.
  • AI-generated text is not yet considered reliable since it has been demonstrated to include fabricated content that might at first glance seem credible. It is important to engage critically with Generative AI tools and products, just as you would with all sources.
  • If you use a Generative AI tool for any work you submit, include a transparency statement on how, why, and which Generative AI software was used. This is an example of a transparency statement for a team submission, based on a model proposed by the Western Canadian Deans of Graduate Studies Working Group (2023):

 

This [work] was created through a synergy between human skills and AI algorithms. Specifically, [Generative AI tool] was used to find relevant material and suggest high-level categories for analysis. The final document was comprehensively reviewed and edited by our team. Each element was written by our team, with copy-editing and phrasing help through Grammarly. The use of AI in this manner is consistent with the guidelines and recommendations provided to us by our instructor.

 

Protect your privacy and intellectual property, and the privacy of others

  • Know the risks, as well as the benefits of using Generative AI tools and make an informed decision before you use each one.  Understand the risks you might take in providing your personal information to any service. You should also familiarize yourself with the risk to sharing content that might impact our intellectual property or copyright. 
  • Practice good digital citizenship: Generative AI technologies can gather and retrieve data and record transcripts of conversations. Do not use Generative AI tools in a group setting unless you have the consent of all present. This includes ‘inviting’ Generative AI into an online forum or meeting to generate a transcript or summary. 
  • Do not share, upload, or otherwise input the private or unpublished work of others into any Generative AI tool without consent.
  • If you intend to use Generative AI tools in your research, you must ensure that participants have given free, informed, and ongoing consent. Your consent documents must tell participants how you intend to incorporate Generative AI in your research process, and you must inform them that their data will be added to the tool’s open-source database. Anything submitted to a Generative AI tool must be fully anonymous, without any personal identifiers. Be always mindful of participant protection and anonymity, even if they have given consent.  

 Ask if you are not sure

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