Foothill College recognizes that emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are transforming teaching, learning, and scholarship. Aligned with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s HUMANS framework, these guidelines encourage innovation while advancing equity, integrity, privacy, and student success. AI should support human judgment and be used transparently and responsibly.

Syllabus AI Expectations

Faculty are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their syllabus or course materials that clearly communicates expectations for AI use. Expectations should align with course learning goals and may vary by assignment.

Student Use of Artificial Intelligence

Instructors will set course- and assignment-specific expectations for AI use. Students are responsible for following instructor guidance. If expectations are unclear, students should seek clarification and limit AI use to support functions that do not replace their own thinking, analysis, authorship, or demonstration of learning.

Students should use AI in ways that are transparent, appropriate to the course, and consistent with learning expectations. Students should not represent AI-generated or AI-assisted work as their own when such use is not permitted or disclosed. Students remain responsible for the accuracy, quality, originality, and integrity of all submitted work.

Sample Approaches to AI Use

These sample statements are designed for easy reuse. Click inside a box, select all text (Ctrl/Cmd + A), and paste into your syllabus or assignment. Feel free to modify the language to align with your course goals. Choose an approach below that best fits your course.

AI use allowed with transparency

AI tools may be used to support your learning, such as brainstorming, outlining, studying, or revising. Your work should reflect your own thinking and voice. You are responsible for all submitted work, including verifying accuracy and sources. If AI meaningfully informs your work, you should clearly disclose how it was used.

AI use limited

Your work should reflect your own thinking. AI tools may be used for preparation or editing, such as brainstorming or proofreading after drafting. AI may not be used to generate ideas, analysis, or content you submit. If you use AI, include a brief note describing the tool and how it was used.

AI use not allowed

AI tools may not be used to complete assignments, discussions, or assessments. All work must be your own and demonstrate your individual understanding. You may be asked to explain your process or provide drafts or notes to confirm authorship.

AI integrated into learning

AI tools may be used for specific assignments as directed. You should identify which parts of your work are AI-assisted and how the tool was used. You are responsible for reviewing and verifying all AI-generated content.

Evaluation of Student Work

Instructors should use human judgment when evaluating the authenticity of student work and avoid relying solely on AI detection tools, which may produce inaccurate or biased results. When questions arise, instructors are encouraged to consider multiple sources of evidence, such as the student’s process, prior work, and direct communication.

Approaches that center dialogue and learning are recommended. Instructors should exercise care to ensure that academic integrity concerns are addressed fairly and without making unfounded assumptions.

Faculty Disclosure of AI Use

Faculty should model transparency and academic integrity in their teaching. Clear communication helps build trust, supports academic integrity, and reinforces that AI supports, rather than replaces, instructor judgment and presence.

When AI is used to support instructional work, such as developing assignments or refining materials, a brief disclosure is recommended.

Example:

AI was used to help brainstorm or refine elements of this assignment. Final decisions and content were reviewed and approved by the instructor.

Disclosures may vary based on the level of AI use but should reflect that human oversight remains central.

Resources

AI Policy Bot – helps guide you in the development of your syllabus.
AI Syllabus Policies – examples and guidance (AI Hub).
AI Use Labeler – helps clearly communicate student AI expectations for each assignment.
AI Assignment Supports – AI Hub page for the AI Use Labeler and disclosure tools.
My AI Process & Disclosure – helps students disclose their AI use.

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