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Artificial Intelligence, A Student Guide

A guide for using ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence in your college work.

How to acknowledge the use of AI

If your professor permits you to use generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) in your assignment, make sure to follow the instructions on how exactly you can use it and to acknowledge its use. We highly recommend that you include the following information when using AI generated content in your work:

  • Written acknowledgment of the generative AI tool used and for what purpose
  • The prompt(s) used to generate the content;
  • A note about your modifications
  • In-text citation and bibliographic citation
  • Include the original output with your submission

Note: In the past, content created by ChatGPT could not be replicated because an identical prompt would not produce the same response as before. The third-party tools linked below allow you to share the original output by making an archive of the content and a custom link. These tools could be useful for citing your use of AI because you can include this link instead of or in addition to a screenshot or printout of the output.

Examples of written acknowledgments

Suggested format:

I acknowledge the use of [insert AI system(s) and link] to [specific use of generative artificial intelligence]. I entered the following prompts on [date]:

  • [list of prompts].

The output from these prompts was used to [explain use]. A copy of the original output is attached with my assignment.

Example Acknowledgements

Be sure and check with your professor about their preferences.

Example 1:

I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to generate materials for background research and self-study for this assignment. I entered the following prompts on April, 7 2024:

  • Write a 250 word summary about the history of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Add two references.

The original output was adapted and modified for the final response. A copy of the original output is attached with my assignment.

Example 2:

I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) to refine the academic language and accuracy of my own work. I submitted my entire essay and entered the following prompts on April 7, 2024:

  • Improve the academic tone and accuracy of language, including grammatical structures, punctuation and vocabulary

The original output was adapted and modified for the final response. A copy of my original essay and a copy of the original output are attached with my assignment.

Citing AI by Citation Style

Some citation styles have begun to develop guidelines for citing ChatGPT and other generative AI. Guidelines may change and new citation styles may be added, so check back frequently for updates, and consult resources specific to the citation style you are using.

If your chosen citation style does not specifically mention generative AI, consider citing it as:

  • App/Software
    If the output is saved, is shareable, or otherwise retrievable.
  • Personal communication
    If you are using generative AI to assist with your assignment that does not have a shareable output.