SCU's approach to the use of GenAI tools

Southern Cross University (SCU) has taken an open-use policy to Generative AI because GenAI will become integrated within the workforce in ways we can still not predict. Embracing GenAI and helping students learn how to use GenAI in an ethical and considerate way is the SCU approach, while still maintaining academic integrity through vigilant monitoring of student work. SCU is taking a “first principles approach” in recognising that GenAI is a software that is not inherently good or bad and is a tool that can be used constructively to enhance students' and staff's efficiencies in the way they learn and teach. It is important that SCU supports the ethical use of GenAI that does not breach the University's AI policy as set out in the Academic Quality, Standards and Integrity Policy, or principles for assuring academic standards in assessment, teaching and learning, as set out in the Assessment, Teaching and Learning Policy. SCU does not have a stand-alone policy for GenAI but instead has integrated the approach to GenAI use into the following policies and procedures.

• Assessment, Teaching and Learning Policy
• Assessment, Teaching and Learning Procedures
• Academic Quality, Standards and Integrity Policy
• Academic Integrity Procedures

SCU has adopted a policy that supports and encourages the use of GenAI where it does not pose an unacceptable risk to the assurance of academic standards and integrity. SCU believes in the benefits GenAI will produce for students and staff and has committed to providing an educative approach to mitigate the risks of using Gen AI tools in inappropriate or unethical ways. To this end, SCU has developed a variety of resources to support academics in the use of GenAI integration in teaching, learning and assessment. The following table references SCU policy, guidelines and resources that support the use of GenAI as set out by SCU in three areas. Click the dropdowns to learn more about each area.