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Using GenAI in assignments

Using GenAI in your studies

Leeds Trinity University acknowledges the progressive and equitable benefits that GenAI tools can bring to the learning experience. Where appropriate, they can be useful for generating questions, for checking grammar, or to provide an overview of a subject you are new to. They are less useful for personal reflection or critical thinking and are no substitute for personal experience or applying theory into practice.

We trust that all students will present assessments as their own work and not as a product of GenAI tools, unless otherwise instructed by your module tutor.

Before using any GenAI tools, check that the purpose you intend to use it for is permitted for your assignment. If in doubt, check with your module tutor. It is important to be aware of the limitations of GenAI tools and use them to complement rather than replace any research or tasks required for your studies. Please read the University Position Statement for more details.

 

Example uses for students

Example uses to avoid

Brainstorming and idea generation

Use GenAI to generate ideas and explore different approaches to a task (e.g., discussion prompts, essay structures, presentation outlines). Always apply your own critical thinking and analysis to develop and refine your work.

Plagiarism

Submitting GenAI content as your own without proper attribution is a breach of the University’s academic misconduct policy.

Enhancing understanding

Ask GenAI to explain concepts, explore different perspectives, or help generate initial ideas for research or writing. Use this as a springboard for further independent inquiry.

Replacing critical thinking

Relying on GenAI to generate content without engaging in your own analysis undermines your learning and academic development.

Language support

Use GenAI to check grammar, spelling, and sentence structure or to explore alternative phrasing. Always review suggestions carefully and make sure they reflect your own voice and intent.

Over-reliance on GenAI for editing

Using  GenAI to make substantial changes to your work, especially where it alters the meaning, structure, or style, is considered plagiarism and/or contract cheating.

Acknowledging GenAI contribution

If you use AI to support assessed work, be transparent about how it was used and how it contributed. See Referencing AI in the APA Referencing Guide.

Ignoring GenAI limitations

GenAI tools can generate inaccurate, biased, or outdated information (and are often accompanied by a transparency disclaimer confirming this). Failing to verify content or use critical judgment is considered poor scholarship.

Feedback on writing

GenAI tools can provide proofreading and feedback on style and content, similar to grammar checkers. As above, it is important to acknowledge when and how you’ve used these tools.

Using GenAI for unauthorised tasks

Only use GenAI for learning or assessment activities where it is clearly permitted by the module handbook or your tutor. Unauthorised use is considered academic misconduct.

Creation and customisation of materials

Use GenAI to generate visual materials (e.g., diagrams or images) or reformat learning content into revision resources. Be mindful of copyright rules and attribution requirements.

Prompting a GenAI with copyrighted materials

Uploading or inputting copyrighted content (journal articles, book chapters etc.) into GenAI platforms may breach copyright law.   

Research tool

GenAI can help summarise or synthesise information from various sources.

Finding sources

GenAI should not be used to replace academic research. Always cross-check information and be alert to inaccuracies, oversimplifications, or bias. Never upload any documents that are subject to copyright (i.e., non-Open Access Journal articles) or documents that are subject to data privacy.