By Caitlin Corll
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how college students approach their studies, particularly at William Peace University (WPU). According to data from Campus Technology, an influential publication focused on higher education technology, 86% of college students incorporate AI into their academic routines.
This trend has prompted a range of discussions about the ethical implications and best practices for utilizing AI. A recent survey conducted by Campus Technology with over 3,000 students revealed that common applications of AI include searching for information, checking grammar, summarizing documents, paraphrasing material, and generating initial drafts.
Students at WPU are actively engaging with these tools to enhance their educational experiences. Senior exercise and sports science student Ababacar Thiam shared his positive experience with AI: ‘I use it for research purposes. Sometimes, if I am reading an article and need to simplify it, I copy and paste a sentence, and it simplifies it for me.’
Despite the beneficial uses of AI, some WPU students have expressed concerns about the potential for misuse, particularly in terms of academic honesty. Freshman Harrison Glover noted, ‘For finding sources, it could be helpful, but you don’t want to plagiarize or anything like that.’
Thiam echoed this caution, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between leveraging AI and adhering to academic integrity. ‘I think it can be a great tool depending on how you use it. There is a downside, too. Some people misuse it for reasons I’m not going to get into. But I think the pros outweigh the cons.’
To address such concerns, many professors at WPU are formulating guidelines for the responsible use of AI to complete homework assignments. This approach encourages students to explore AI’s capabilities while maintaining ethical standards. Thiam mentioned, ‘Our professor discussed how some students were using it improperly and offered suggestions on how to utilize it effectively. He advised us to be careful and not let AI do all the work.’
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) supports the initiative to guide students in the ethical use of AI. Authors Anthony Hié and Claire Thouray noted, ‘On the one hand, professors help develop AI-ready students; on the other, they shape the future use of AI technologies. Faculty might not be able to stop the AI trend from growing, but they can direct its growth by preparing students to use it as effectively and ethically as possible.’
Campus Technology aligns with this perspective, referencing University of Hong Kong researcher Alessandro Di Lullo, who remarked, ‘The rise in AI usage forces institutions to see AI as core infrastructure rather than a tool. Universities need to consider how to effectively boost AI literacy to equip both students and academics with the skills to succeed in an AI-driven world.’
As AI continues to permeate higher education, WPU’s faculty and students must collaboratively navigate its implications, balancing the responsibilities of academic integrity with the educational advantages it offers.
