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Trustees approve new MTSU policy on classroom use of artificial intelligence
Summary
The committee approved policy 3.23 to clarify acceptable uses of AI in courses, making instructor permission and syllabus disclosure central requirements and referencing a state deadline for institutional guidance.
The Academic Affairs Committee on May 20 approved new MTSU Policy 3.23, which sets expectations for faculty and student use of artificial intelligence tools in instructional settings.
Brian Hinote presented the policy and credited Dr. Eric Detwiler and a faculty work group for drafting recommendations over several months. Hinote told trustees the policy aligns with a Tennessee law that requires institutions of higher education to adopt AI guidelines by July 25. "New developments in artificial intelligence very obviously create many challenges and opportunities for institutions like MTSU," Hinote said.
Under Policy 3.23, students may use AI tools in a course only when an instructor explicitly permits that use and provides guidelines; faculty are responsible for setting and communicating those expectations in syllabi. The policy also states faculty should not outsource entire course creation to AI or use AI to circumvent instructional obligations, and that faculty, staff, and students must comply with existing university rules on confidential information and data privacy.
Trustees asked how attribution should be handled; Hinote said attribution should be required when faculty include it in course expectations and that instructors should make this explicit in syllabi. Trustees discussed additional educational opportunities for the board, including suggested briefings and campus demonstrations of AI tools. Chair Wright called the question and the motion carried.
The provost's office said it will update the student and faculty handbooks promptly after the policy is enacted and will work with student affairs to ensure the guidance is broadly communicated.
