Reading and writing are important forms of human interaction that empower people to understand others’ perspectives, think through arguments, communicate ideas and experiment with creativity. The Department of English and Writing at the University of Tampa deeply values students’ abilities to develop these transferable skills via close reading, research, reasoning and individual expression and voice. In other words, we value writing as thought given shape, and we believe this approach benefits students throughout their lives.
As reading and writing instructors, our work involves evaluating and providing feedback to help students improve their ability to access and express their ideas clearly. Generative AI (AI) frequently fabricates information and undermines students’ ability to think, learn, and write. Moreover, when students use AI to replace any part of the reading and writing process, it misrepresents the abilities being evaluated in the classroom.[1] Therefore, the use of AI in English, Literature, Writing and Academic Writing classrooms is prohibited except in cases where the instructor has given express permission and students follow the specific guidelines. This prohibition covers the use of AI for any part of the reading and writing process, from summarizing to brainstorming to outlining to drafting to revision. It also covers all types of AI, from whole cloth generation of ideas and language to moderate or major transformation of original writing. Students are urged to disable any type of AI that may be integrated into programs and devices used for coursework. Using AI without permission violates the Unauthorized assistance or collaboration, Inappropriate use of others’ work (plagiarism) and Deception and misrepresentation categories of behavior in the UTampa Academic Integrity Policy.[2] Students who use AI in their coursework may be charged with an academic integrity violation and/or receive penalties ranging from a zero on an assignment to failure of the course.
While we understand students may feel stress and pressure to produce “good writing,” and may be tempted to use AI, UTampa offers the Saunders Writing Center as a collaborative venue for improving student work. Students may also reach out to their instructors for additional assistance.
[1] Defined here as “computer systems that can produce, or generate, various forms of traditionally human expression, in the form of digital content including language, images, video, and music” (MLA-CCCC Joint Task Force, 5).
[2] ut.smartcatalogiq.com/current/catalog/undergraduate-catalog/academic-policies-and-procedures/academic-integrity-policy.
