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In the October 2023 issue...

Back-to-school and through the year: supporting a culture of academic integrity at UBC

As classes resume at UBC for a new academic term, academic integrity is a topic on the minds of many.

This issue of the Academic Integrity Digest will provide an update on academic integrity, showcase some of the events planned for the coming year, and remind faculty and students about the supports and resources available to start off the year with success. While there is much this year that is new, it is also important to ensure the basics of academic integrity are covered now and throughout the academic year.

As new Artificial Intelligence tools continue to emerge, the most familiar one being ChatGPT, UBC is developing many new resources to support faculty and students. The university is adopting a measured and balanced approach that does not ban the use of artificial intelligence technologies, but allows for their intentional and attributed application when appropriate. At UBC, the use of AI tools is a course or program level decision. Several focused resources are available, including an FAQ page dedicated to artificial intelligence tools; sample syllabus language and guidance around communicating with students about the permitted or prohibited use of Generative AI; and support for faculty with the use of Generative AI tools in teaching and learning.

With the emergence of new tools such as ChatGPT, it is important to address the impact and potential of the new technology while also ensuring strong foundations around academic integrity. For discussions about academic integrity, communicating early and often with students about expectations, what is permitted or prohibited and the reasons for it, can prevent misunderstandings about academic misconduct. Instructors can use Take 5 for Academic Integrity or request an in-class presentation to start a discussion with students.

Building a culture of academic integrity also involves creating opportunities for discussion and professional development. On October 13, UBC is hosting the BC Academic Integrity Day a full-day event that will feature panels on academic integrity research in BC, generative artificial intelligence tools and academic integrity, and student perspectives on academic integrity. UBC will also be marking Academic Integrity Week this October 16-20, with student events, workshops and sessions to generate dialogue and raise awareness about academic integrity. Please see the events section of this newsletter for further details on these and other events.
 
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Student question

Q: How do students learn about Academic Integrity expectations at UBC?

A: Academic integrity is not in the category of something that is 'nice to know'. Students are responsible for being aware of the academic integrity expectations in their courses and of the university. So how can they do this? What resources are available to guide them? Firstly, if a student is unsure about academic integrity expectations in a course they should ask their instructor. If they want or need more information and resources on academic integrity then UBC's academic integrity website is a good place to start. This website has a specific information for students on learning with integrity as well as the academic misconduct process. Students should remember that the Academic Calendar (Vancouver | Okanagan) is the authoritative source and provides a comprehensive guide to expectations of academic integrity at UBC, and academic misconduct regulations and processes. There are also other programs and resources that support learning about academic integrity. These include a selection of academic integrity modules, introductory programs such as UBC 101, resources through the Chapman Learning Commons, or resources through the Academic Integrity Hub at UBC Vancouver or the AIM program at UBC Okanagan.
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Faculty question

Q: Can or should instructors use AI detectors to detect the use of AI tools on assignments or assessments?

A: Artificial intelligence detection tools have sprung up almost as quickly as the technologies themselves and a variety of detection tools have emerged.

UBC discourages the use of artificial intelligence detectors on student work, and is not at this time planning to purchase or support any such tools at the institutional level.

There are several AI detectors currently in existence, such as GPTZero, Turnitin, and AI Content Detector. Despite the availability of such tools, it is important to remember that they might not be fully tested and that the technology to potentially outwit them continues to evolve. The detectors are not foolproof and can produce false negatives and false positives. It may also be possible for the user to modify content to avoid detection.

If instructors still choose to use AI detectors, they should be aware and understand their limitations and issues they can raise. None of the detectors has undergone a UBC Privacy Impact Assessment, and as such there may be privacy and security concerns with submitting student work to them, particularly without their knowledge or consent. Instructors should not use these tools to evaluate any student work that contains the name of the student or any other personal information of the student or third parties. If student work may be submitted through one or more AI detectors, instructors should be transparent with students and let them know at the beginning of the term, such as in the syllabus.

For further discussion on this topic, see the Learning Technology Hub's published statement which reaffirmed UBC's decision not to turn on the AI detection feature for Turnitin.

Instructors should investigate inappropriate use of AI technology in a similar way to other forms of academic misconduct. Resources to support this process are available through UBC's Academic Integrity website on the Faculty and the Academic Misconduct Process page.

 
 

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Resource highlights

  • Academic Integrity modules: Modules are available on Canvas about academic integrity concepts, writing and plagiarism, and cheating and collaboration.
  • Gen AI syllabus language: The syllabus is an important place to clarify academic integrity expectations for students. Examples of statements about the use of generative artificial intelligence tools are available.
 

Upcoming events

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BC Academic Integrity Day

October 13, 2023, 9:00am - 3:30pm - Online

BC Academic Integrity Day 2023, hosted by UBC's Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, is an annual event for the BC Academic Integrity Network. This event include participants from across BC institutions and features a panel session showcasing current academic integrity research in BC, a discussion of generative artificial intelligence and academic integrity, and a student panel discussing perspectives from students as partners in academic integrity. The day will also feature a networking lunch and resource sharing opportunities.

The event is open to students, faculty and staff.

Register for the October 13 event

 

Academic Integrity Week 2023 at UBC Vancouver & UBC Okanagan

October 16 - 20, 2023
Hybrid

This week is intended to spark conversation and raise awareness of the importance of academic integrity at UBC and beyond. Check campus events calendars for a range of events including workshops, presentations and information booths aimed at generating conversation and raising awareness of the importance of academic integrity.

Learn more
 

Reimagining Teaching & Learning Using Generative AI: Faculty Experiences at UBCO

October 18, 2023
9:30am - 10:45am, Hybrid

This panel discussion includes instructors from UBC's Okanagan campus sharing their use of generative AI tools for effective teaching and learning. The session will also bring up alternate assessment strategies to facilitate learning and technology use.

Learn more
 

Generative AI & Assessment Design, UBCV Academic Integrity Week

October 19, 2023
10:00am - 11:30am, Online

This workshop, hosted by CTLT staff and the Academic Integrity Hub, seeks to explore the nuanced relationship between generative AI and assignment design, highlighting both its constructive and disruptive potentials. You will learn how to create assignments that can help mitigate the capabilities of generative AI but also leverage its potential for enhancing student learning, all while emphasizing equity and student privacy.

Learn more
 

We want to hear from you!

Have feedback or an idea for a topic for us to address in the newsletter? Let us know at academic.integrity@ubc.ca.

Sign up for the Academic Integrity Digest or see prior issues: https://academicintegrity.ubc.ca/aid/

 
 

Email: academic.integrity@ubc.ca
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