Policy on Student Use of Generative AI

Policy on Student Use of Generative AI
Version NumberIBS/PUGAI/2026Apr/V001
Member of Staff ResponsibleIbrahim Sirkeci
Record of Revisions to Policy
DateDetailsApproved by
Apr 2026PublishedBoard of Directors
Apr 2026ReviewedBoard of Directors
   
Date of Current PolicyApril 2026
Next Review DateApril 2027
Review to be approved byBoard of Directors

Related IBS Policies:

  • Student Code of Conduct
  • Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure
  • Student Complaints Policy and Procedure
  • Student Protection Plan
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
  • Data Protection Policy

External Reference Points:

  • UK Quality Code for Higher Education (QAA, 2024)
  • Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) – Good Practice Framework
  • Equality Act 2010
  • Data Protection Act 2018

1. Policy Statement and Purpose

1.1 This policy sets out the International Business School’s (IBS) approach to the responsible, ethical, and transparent use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) by students in learning, teaching, assessment, and research.

1.2 IBS recognises that GenAI tools can enhance learning, accessibility, and digital literacy. Used appropriately, they can support students to develop skills relevant to modern professional practice.

1.3 At the same time, IBS is committed to:

  • maintaining academic integrity;
  • ensuring assessment remains a valid measure of student achievement;
  • protecting students from unfair disadvantage; and
  • complying with Office for Students (OfS) requirements, particularly Condition E1 (fair treatment of students).

1.4 This policy aims to ensure students:

  • use GenAI as a support tool, not a substitute for learning;
  • understand their responsibilities when using GenAI;
  • engage critically and ethically with AI-generated outputs.

2. Scope

2.1 This policy applies to:

  • all IBS students enrolled on any programme or module; and
  • all uses of GenAI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot, GrammarlyGO or similar) in relation to academic work, assessments, research, and IBS-related learning activities.

2.2 Where an awarding or partner institution applies different rules, students must also comply with those requirements.

3. Principles Underpinning the Policy

IBS’s approach to GenAI is guided by the following principles:

3.1 Human‑led, AI‑assisted learning
Students remain fully responsible for the content, quality, and integrity of all work submitted.

3.2 Academic integrity
Use of GenAI must not conceal the extent of student contribution or misrepresent AI-generated output as original work.

3.3 Transparency and accountability
Students must clearly disclose any relevant use of GenAI in assessments or research.

3.4 Inclusivity and accessibility
GenAI may be used to support learning needs (e.g. EAL support, disabilities), where this does not undermine learning outcomes.

3.5 Ethical awareness
Students should consider issues of bias, misinformation, environmental impact, and ethical responsibility when using AI tools.

4. Definitions and Examples

4.1 Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)
AI systems capable of creating text, images, code or other content in response to prompts (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot).

4.2 Permitted Uses (with acknowledgement) may include:

  • brainstorming or idea generation;
  • clarifying complex concepts;
  • generating practice questions for revision;
  • drafting non‑assessed material;
  • language and grammar support.

4.3 Non‑Permitted Uses include:

  • submitting AI-generated content as your own without disclosure;
  • using GenAI to complete assessed work unless explicitly permitted;
  • generating false or fabricated references;
  • using GenAI to bypass learning or critical thinking.

4.4 Misuse of GenAI may constitute academic misconduct under the IBS Academic Integrity and Misconduct Policy.

5. Guidelines for Key Academic Activities

5.1 Using GenAI in Learning and Assignments

5.1.1 Students may use GenAI to support learning but must:

  • understand and be able to explain submitted work;
  • avoid over‑reliance on AI-generated text or structure;
  • ensure their own analysis and voice remain central.

5.1.2 Any use of GenAI in assessed work must be clearly declared and referenced in line with IBS academic conventions.

5.1.3 Example acknowledgements:

“I used ChatGPT to help brainstorm ideas and check grammar. All content and analysis are my own.”

5.2 Academic Integrity

5.2.1 Misuse of GenAI is treated as academic misconduct and may include:

  • unacknowledged AI use;
  • AI-written or paraphrased submissions presented as original;
  • fabricated citations or sources.

5.2.2 Suspected breaches will be investigated under IBS academic misconduct procedures, with outcomes applied fairly and proportionately.

5.3 Data Protection and Privacy

5.3.1 Students must not enter:

  • personal data;
  • sensitive or confidential information; or
  • third‑party identifiable data
    into GenAI tools, particularly those not approved by IBS.

5.4 Responsible Use for Accessibility

5.4.1 GenAI may support accessibility needs, such as:

  • simplifying academic language;
  • supporting English language development;
  • summarising long texts for comprehension.

5.4.2 Such use must support—not replace—the learning process.

5.5 Assessment Use: What Is Allowed and What Is Not

Allowed (with disclosure or permission):

  • drafting non‑submitted practice work;
  • clarifying assignment instructions;
  • improving clarity or grammar.

Not allowed:

  • submitting AI-generated assessments as your own;
  • using AI during exams without permission;
  • copying AI output verbatim without understanding or disclosure.

Students must always follow module‑specific guidance.

5.6 Research Use for Students

5.6.1 Students using GenAI in research must:

  • declare AI use in methodology sections;
  • critically evaluate AI output;
  • verify accuracy and sources independently.

Example statement:

“GenAI tools were used for initial idea development. All analysis and conclusions were developed independently.”

6. Tool Access and Support

6.1 IBS encourages use of reputable and approved AI tools.

6.2 Guidance, training and academic support will be provided to help students use GenAI safely and responsibly.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Students: Use GenAI ethically, disclose use, and uphold academic integrity.
  • Lecturers and Tutors: Provide clear guidance on permitted AI use.
  • Programme Leaders: Embed AI literacy and ethical awareness in curricula.
  • Support Services: Advise on accessibility, integrity, and responsible practice.

8. Monitoring and Review

8.1 IBS will regularly review this policy to ensure:

  • compliance with OfS expectations;
  • alignment with sector best practice; and
  • responsiveness to developments in AI technology.

9. Data Protection and Confidentiality

9.1 IBS processes personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

9.2 Information relating to academic integrity investigations will be shared only where lawful and necessary.

10. Alternative Format

10.1 This policy is available in alternative formats upon request.

Annex A – Acknowledgement Template

“I used [AI tool name] for [purpose]. All ideas, analysis, and conclusions are my own unless otherwise cited.”

Annex B – Referencing GenAI Tools (Harvard Style)

Example:

OpenAI (2023) ChatGPT. Mar 14 version. Available at: https://chat.openai.com/ (Accessed: 18 June 2025).

Annex C – Quick Guide: Do’s and Don’ts

Permitted (with disclosure):

  • Brainstorming ideas
  • Grammar support
  • Summarising for understanding
  • Reviewing AI output critically

Not Permitted:

  • Submitting AI-written work
  • Fabricating sources
  • Using AI in exams without permission
  • Hiding AI use