A message to students from Dr. Isabelle Dostaler, University of Regina Provost and Vice-President (Academic):
As you know, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing role in our daily lives, at our workplaces, and in teaching and learning. AI presents both opportunities and challenges in a post-secondary, academic setting.
Generative AI technologies like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Grammarly, Wordtune, and more, produce new and unique outputs, meaning they have the potential to undermine the principles of academic integrity. It is important to remember that any work you submit for evaluation must result from your own research, effort, and understanding.
Copilot is worth singling out for special mention as the University rolls out the Microsoft 365 platform to all students. Copilot is an AI tool that is freely available from Microsoft and fully integrated into the platform, but in no way does this mean that the University encourages or condones its use as an academic tool.
Because the types of assignments and evaluations vary so dramatically across different courses and faculties, it is difficult for the University to establish over-arching, one-size-fits-all guidelines for the use of AI. Therefore, individual instructors may determine whether the use of AI will be permitted, and to what extent, when it comes to assigned course work. What may be allowed in one class may not be allowed in another.
With different instructors having different rules regarding AI use, it is imperative that you read your course syllabi carefully and approach your instructors if you are unsure or have any questions. Remember, when in doubt, check with your instructors as to what is allowable and what is not as the improper or unauthorized use of AI can constitute academic misconduct.
As our AI Guidelines for faculty and instructors state, “these technologies have the potential to enhance and augment human capabilities but also raise serious concerns about social impacts, academic integrity, and the role and purpose of AI in teaching and learning.”
The AI landscape is evolving quickly. As a university, we will continue to facilitate informed discussions about the responsible use of AI, develop policies that uphold the principles of academic integrity, and identify appropriate and effective ways of using AI that will enrich your student experience.
If you have questions related to academic integrity, consult the Student FAQ on the Academic Integrity Hub or resources offered through the Student Success Centre.
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, we are committed to providing you with further updates.
Dr. Isabelle Dostaler
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
About the University of Regina
2024 marks our 50th anniversary as an independent University (although our roots as Regina College date back more than a century!). As we celebrate our past, we work towards a future that is as limitless as the prairie horizon. We support the health and well-being of our 16,700 students and provide them with hands-on learning opportunities to develop career-ready graduates. Our research enterprise has grown to include 21 research centres and 12 Canada Research Chairs and brings in more than $51.2 million in funding annually. Our campuses are on Treaties 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future.
Let’s go far, together.