A Personal Policy Concerning Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

So, I've had to think very hard about higher education and the influence of artificial intelligence in the last few months. Education is not just about the transfer of knowledge and information. Its aim is growth and, for the Christian especially, transformation. So, while universities around the world are working hard at navigating terrible storms and turbulent seas associated with AI, I've decided to approach the classroom with a personal policy, an upfront expectation from teacher to students, and a rationale that I hope will be embraced because of the potential it has to maximize what we do in the learning arena. 

In this course, no artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, Copilot, Claude, or similar technologies) may be used to write, revise, paraphrase, summarize, or otherwise produce any work that is submitted for a grade.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Essays, discussion posts, and written assignments
  • Reading responses or reflections
  • Exegetical work, research papers, or projects
  • Rewriting or polishing drafts
  • Editing for grammar, spelling, punctuation, or style
  • Formatting or restructuring written work

In short, anything you submit must be entirely your own work, written without AI assistance.

The purpose of your coursework is not simply to produce polished writing, but to develop your ability to think, read, analyze, and write clearly. AI tools alter language and structure in ways that make it impossible to distinguish between your own work and machine-modified text. Because of this, AI use undermines the learning process and the integrity of your work.

You should be able to:

  • Explain what you wrote and why you wrote it
  • Demonstrate understanding of course readings and concepts
  • Express your ideas clearly in your own words

If you cannot explain or defend your submitted work, this may be treated as evidence of inappropriate AI use.

Any use of AI in submitted assignments will be handled in accordance with university academic integrity policies and may result in consequences such as a zero on the assignment, required revision, or further disciplinary action.

This policy reflects my approach to teaching and learning. I am committed to helping you grow as a student and thinker, and I am glad to invest time and feedback in your work. That investment, however, operates within clear boundaries: your work must be your work.

These expectations exist not to limit you, but to ensure that the education you receive is genuine, formative, and worthy of the degree you are pursuing.

— Dr. Hudgins