2.10 Plagiarism, generative AI and academic misconduct
Like all universities, the University of Cambridge and its Colleges take very seriously indeed the matter of plagiarism, especially when the work in question is submitted for assessment as part of an examination. It is important that all students make themselves aware of the University’s guidelines on plagiarism and academic misconduct.
These pages include a good deal beyond the University’s formal policy and a description of the discipline are procedures in dealing with academic misconduct. There is also a constructive advice about good academic practice, how to avoid problems, answers to frequently asked questions on the subject, helpful links, and Faculty resources. These can reassure you on how to go about about referencing and citations as well as helping you to abide by the University's requirements.
The Colleges collectively have adopted the following approach towards the use of generative AI by students:
"Content produced by AI does not represent original content generated by a student and will be considered a form of academic misconduct if used indiscriminately or inappropriately. Students should understand that content produced by AI is not a replacement for developing their own skills in critical analysis, creative thinking, and rigorous research. Generative AI tools produce answers that may contain social biases and stereotypes depending on the information it has access to and draws upon. It is important to understand the implications of generated information and proceed with caution when using outputs from these platforms without thorough analysis and critical reflection." With specific reference to supervisions, the Colleges take the view that "Supervisors should not prohibit the use of AI in work produced for supervisions but require students to clearly state when AI has been utilised. Using AI tools to assist a student’s thought process is helpful, but extensive use can limit a student’s ability to learn and make them unprepared for formal assessments."
