Understand the university’s rules for using this technology in your assessments and studies.
Act with academic integrity when using GenAI. Check your subject outline for what is permitted in your assessment. If you are a research student, seek advice from your supervisor before using GenAI. You can be penalised for improper or unauthorised GenAI use.
GenAI is a type of artificial intelligence capable of creating content such as text, images, music, data, and computer code in response to your instructions. It works by recognising patterns and structures in existing data sets and using that information to generate content. These are called outputs.
ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are two examples of GenAI tools.
Many widely used software also incorporate GenAI functions – from Grammarly and Microsoft Word, to web browsers, apps, and online tools.
Your subject outline is your guide. Or if you’re a research student, your supervisor or subject coordinator can advise you.
Whether you’re allowed to use GenAI can change depending on the assessment or research you’re completing and the GenAI tools and functions that you’re permitted to use.
It's important you understand and follow the instructions that have been given to you.
Most subject outlines at Charles Sturt state that using GenAI in your assessment is not permitted and is considered a breach of academic integrity.
We’ve taken this stance because it’s important that your assessments reflect your own work.
Note: Software with GenAI functions that can reword, paraphrase, or create new content require particular caution. These functions must not be used in your assessment unless your subject outline permits it.
If GenAI use is permitted for your assessment, this will be clearly stated in the subject outline. If you’re ever unsure, contact your Subject Coordinator.
You can use spelling and grammar-checking software functions, such as those in Microsoft Word and Grammarly, in your assessment.
You can use GenAI for tasks unrelated to assessments. This includes planning, explaining topics, or creating tutorials.
Using GenAI in your assessment or research when it isn't permitted is considered a breach of academic integrity. This can lead to you being penalised under the Academic Integrity Policy and Student Misconduct Rule 2020.
This can have consequences for your grades and academic progress and therefore, possibly your future career.
Here are our top tips for using GenAI during your studies. Check back here regularly as GenAI is rapidly evolving and it’s important to stay up to date and refresh your understanding.
Looking for a secure GenAI tool? If you’re 18 or older, you can access the protected version of Microsoft Copilot by signing in with your Charles Sturt student account details.
Confirm if you’re allowed to use GenAI
Check your subject outline, or ask your Subject Coordinator or Research Supervisor.
Assess tools and outputs before using them
Use GenAI to help with your learning
You can use GenAI outside of assessments for tasks such as creating practice exams or study plans.
Use GenAI responsibly and in line with university’s rules and policies
For general guidance on responsible GenAI use, view our Statement of Principles for the Use of Artificial Intelligence.
Reference properly
Cite your GenAI use in accordance with your subject’s referencing requirements. See our referencing guide and ART referencing tool.
Don’t use GenAI if it isn’t permitted
You can be penalised for improper or unauthorised GenAI use.
Don’t misrepresent your work
Don’t present GenAI outputs as your own work. This is cheating and you can be penalised for academic misconduct.
Don't misuse GenAI to overcome challenges
Don’t mishandle information and data
If you have any questions related to GenAI and study, contact your:
For technical support on this topic, contact Student Central.