Generative AI Tools for Students

Using AI responsibly means understanding both the power and limitations of AI tools, and applying them in ways that are ethical, transparent, and aligned with academic integrity.

Responsible AI Use Includes:

• Being Transparent: Always disclose when and how you used AI tools in your work (e.g., writing assistance, summarizing, coding help).
• Fact-Checking AI Output: AI can generate incorrect or misleading information. Always verify facts, citations, and data from reliable sources.
• Maintaining Academic Integrity: Don’t use AI to complete assignments dishonestly (e.g., submitting AI-generated work as your own without permission).
• Respecting Privacy: Avoid inputting sensitive personal or institutional information into AI tools, especially those not approved by your university.
• Using University-Approved Tools: At UCalgary, Microsoft Copilot Chat is the officially supported AI tool. Use it when possible for academic tasks.

University of Calgary Resources on AI Use

1. Microsoft Copilot Chat (UCalgary-approved AI tool)
2. Graduate Student AI Guidelines
3. CAIELI (AI Literacy & Ethics at UCalgary Library)

As AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and others become more common in academic work, it’s important to use them ethically and transparently. Here’s how students can responsibly acknowledge AI assistance:

When to Acknowledge AI Use

• If you used an AI tool to generate content, summarize sources, edit your writing, or analyze data, you should disclose it.
• Always check your instructor’s or department’s policy; some may allow AI use with citation, others may restrict it.

How to Acknowledge AI Tools

Include a brief statement in your paper or assignment, such as:

“Portions of this assignment were generated with the assistance of ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and were reviewed and edited by the author.”

Or in a citation format (APA example): OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (Mar 27 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

Best Practices

• Do not present AI-generated content as entirely your own without disclosure.
• Verify all AI-generated information; AI can make mistakes or “hallucinate.”
• Use AI as a support tool, not a replacement for critical thinking or original analysis.

When using AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Grammarly in your academic work, it's essential to clearly and appropriately acknowledge their use. Below are examples of how students can do this in different contexts.

General Acknowledgment (in-text or footnote)

“This assignment was completed with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot for grammar suggestions and content organization.”

“ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) was used to brainstorm ideas and summarize background information. All final content was reviewed and edited by the author.”

APA Style (Reference List)

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (Mar 27 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

Microsoft. (2025). Microsoft Copilot [AI assistant]. https://www.microsoft.com/copilot

MLA Style (Works Cited)

“Summarize the causes of the French Revolution.” ChatGPT, 27 Mar. 2025, OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com.

“Draft a professional email requesting a meeting.” Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft, 2025, https://www.microsoft.com/copilot.

Best Practices

• Be specific about which tool you used and how you used it.
• Include the date and version if available.
• Always review your institution’s guidelines: some may require more formal citation, others may prefer a simple statement.

If you use Grammarly to assist with your writing, it’s important to be transparent about how the tool contributed to your work. A simple disclosure statement helps maintain academic integrity.

When to disclose:

• When Grammarly is used for more than just basic spelling or grammar (e.g., clarity suggestions, rephrasing).

Where to include it:

• At the end of your assignment, under a heading like “Declaration” or “AI Tool Use Statement.”

Example (formal):
Declaration: I used Grammarly to review my writing for clarity and grammar. I critically assessed all suggestions and made final revisions in my own words.

Example (short):
Disclosure: I used Grammarly to refine clarity and accuracy, and edited the final version myself.

For more detailed guidance, see University of Melbourne’s resource.