AI@JCU AI For Students

AI For Students

Generative AI can be a powerful study partner when it’s used ethically, transparently, and with purpose. At JCU, your use of AI must uphold Academic Integrity and follow your Subject Outline and coordinator’s instructions. If you’re unsure whether AI is allowed for an assessment, ask your lecturer before you start.

Before you use AI: Know the rules

  • Check your Subject Outline for what’s permitted (and what’s not) in each task. When in doubt, confirm with your Lecturer or Subject Coordinator.
  • Academic Integrity applies to AI, submitting work generated by AI as if it were your own is academic misconduct.
  • Always fact-check AI outputs and do not rely on invented citations or examples. Use the Learning Centre’s credibility checklist to verify sources.

Good ways to use AI (when allowed)

You are responsible for the accuracy and originality of your submission — human judgment comes first.

  • Understand content
    Ask for plain-language explanations, worked examples, or step-by-step breakdowns.

  • Plan study
    Create revision schedules, practice questions from your own notes, or topic maps.

  • Improve writing
    Check clarity, grammar, and structure — then revise everything in your own words.

  • Idea generation
    Brainstorm angles or outlines that you will develop and reference yourself.

Uses of AI that are not OK

Unless your Subject Outline explicitly allows it, you must not:

  • Submit AI-written work
    Presenting AI-generated answers, essays, or reports as your own is academic misconduct.

  • Use AI in restricted assessments
    Do not use AI in invigilated exams or other restricted assessments unless explicitly allowed.

  • Fabricate references or data
    Inserting invented citations, statistics, or experimental results is never acceptable.

Declaring your AI use (when permitted)

If you are allowed to use AI, disclose how you used it. Add a short statement (e.g., on a cover page or the first slide as provided by your respective colleges) that identifies the tool, purpose, and prompts used. You are also required to complete the AI declaration before the submission of any assignment.

Example declaration

I used Microsoft Copilot to brainstorm possible headings and to proofread grammar. I wrote all content myself and verified facts using the readings listed in my reference list. No AI-generated text has been submitted as final work without revision. Prompts used included: “Suggest 5 headings for a literature review on coastal erosion.”

Referencing AI

If your discipline requires you to cite AI outputs, follow the Library’s guidance for your style (APA, MLA, etc.). Some outputs may be classed as non-retrievable; in other cases you may need to quote and reference the tool. Check the JCU Library FAQ for current advice by style.

Check the quality of AI outputs

Before using AI-generated content:

  • Find authoritative sources that support the claims.

  • Evaluate authority, evidence, and currency.

  • Cross-check the details in Library databases and reliable sources.

  • Watch for bias and gaps in coverage. Use the Learning Centre's Checking GenAI output for credibility guide as your checklist.

Research assistance at JCU

Graduate Research School Gen AI guidelines for all Higher Degree Research Students

Academic assistance at JCU

The Learning Centre: Academic skills, writing, and integrity support (workshops, guides, consultations).

Tip for students

Protect your privacy: do not share your personal details, student number, or assignment files directly with AI tools. Treat them as public platforms unless your lecturer provides a university-approved AI system.