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Handling Suspected Plagiarism and AI Content

What should be done with suspected plagiarism or AI generated content?

Addressing issues of suspected plagiarism and AI-generated content is of paramount importance in maintaining academic integrity and upholding the standards of York University. In an era where information is easily accessible and technology allows for the generation of sophisticated content, educators play a crucial role in guiding students towards ethical research and originality. When confronted with instances of suspected plagiarism or AI-generated work, York University professors have several strategies at their disposal:

Handle it within your classroom (required)

Faculty should strive to handle such situations directly within their classroom, fostering a learning environment that encourages honest engagement and learning from mistakes. Similar to any suspected cheating, suspected plagiarism or AI-generated content should first be handled by the faculty within the classroom.

Request a Second Evaluation (optional)

Moreover, if further verification is required to confirm suspected AI misuse, it is recommended to submit the assignment for a secondary review to authenticate the presence of AI-generated text. Please email jwiley@york.edu or jaleinen@york.edu to request a second evaluation.

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Report it to the Provost's Office (optional)

A suspected incident can be reported to the Provost's Office as a classroom infraction and documented in the student's record. In more serious cases, it becomes essential to report the issue to the Provost's Office, ensuring appropriate measures are taken to safeguard academic integrity across the institution.

By adopting these strategies, York University's faculty play a pivotal role in upholding the integrity and credibility of the academic environment, contributing significantly to the preservation of a fair and reputable educational community. When professors address instances of suspected plagiarism or AI-generated content within their classrooms, they actively engage students in discussions about ethical research practices and the importance of original thought. This not only emphasizes the value of authenticity but also fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability among students, encouraging them to develop their academic skills with integrity. Through these concerted efforts, York University professors actively shape a culture where authenticity, respect for intellectual property, and scholarly rigor flourish, reinforcing the university's reputation as a bastion of knowledge and integrity.

AI-generation technology will undoubtedly evolve and expand, pushing the boundaries of creativity and utility, as researchers and developers refine algorithms and incorporate more diverse data sources.

Lesson 4: Safe AI Tools?

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