New AI guidelines address growing use of technology in classrooms 

By Taylor Peaden 

As more Xavier students turn to artificial intelligence for help with schoolwork, the university has issued its first official statement providing guidance on the use of AI in academic settings, raising questions about how students can incorporate the technology into their work without compromising their learning.

The university’s Statement on the Use of Artificial Intelligence outlines expectations for students and faculty while acknowledging the opportunities and risks associated with the technology. Although the statement is not a formal university policy, it provides guidance on the responsible use of AI in teaching, learning and scholarship, emphasizing that the technology should not replace human reasoning or compromise academic integrity.

Dr. Jason Todd, chair of Xavier’s AI Policy Committee, director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development and associate professor of English, described AI as the latest in a series of challenges educators have faced.

“I think it’s just the latest bump in the road we’ve been dealing with … we used to have to deal with cliff notes, so there’s always been some kind of thing that students could be using inappropriately,” Todd said.

Todd believes one of the biggest concerns is that students may use AI to avoid the deeper thinking expected in college.

However, some students believe AI can be useful without becoming a substitute for independent work.

Lisette Cabrera, a sophomore biology pre-med major, said she prefers completing assignments independently but recognizes how AI can support her learning.

“I still prefer to do what I can on my own when it comes to my assignments, but I think it can be a helpful tool for guidance on a topic. Sometimes it can help to get a clearer picture,” Cabrera said.

Xavier has also provided opportunities for students to explore AI through initiatives such as the Google RISE HBCU Summit, held Sept. 28-29 in the University Center. During the event, students connected with Google experts, participated in hands-on labs, attended panel discussions and practiced using AI tools.

Dr. Ray Lang, associate professor of computer science, emphasized that using AI does not eliminate the need for students to understand the information it produces.

“You still have to understand what the AI is delivering and be able to interpret the results … and that only happens if you put in the hours and try and work through it,” Lang said.

Lang said students must remain motivated to learn, even when AI can quickly generate answers or complete tasks.

“You have to be way more motivated than ever before … the internal passion. You have to motivate yourself, especially when there’s an expert that can do it for you,” he said.

As AI continues to influence classrooms and academic expectations, Xavier’s first official statement represents an effort to establish guidance for using the technology while preserving the independent thought, effort and understanding essential to higher education.

Students and faculty can read Xavier University of Louisiana’s Statement on the Use of Artificial Intelligence by visiting the university’s library website at xula.libguides.com/library.

“I think the biggest ethical challenge is that it can allow people to avoid doing the deep, critical thinking they should be doing, especially in college and academia,” Todd said. “I do think that schools are going to have to spend some time really considering how teaching works and how learning works.”