George Mason University: Generative AI in Higher Education – Evidence from an Analysis of Institutional Policies and Guidelines

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This paper examines how higher education institutions (HEIs) are responding to the rise of generative AI (GenAI) like ChatGPT. Researchers analyzed policies and guidelines from 116 US universities to understand the advice given to faculty and stakeholders.

The study found that most universities encourage GenAI use, particularly for writing-related activities, and offer guidance for classroom integration. However, the authors caution that this widespread endorsement may create burdens for faculty and overlook long-term pedagogical implications and ethical concerns.

The research explores the range of institutional approaches, from embracing to discouraging GenAI, and highlights considerations related to privacy, diversity, equity, and STEM fields. Ultimately, the findings suggest that HEIs are grappling with how to navigate the integration of GenAI into education, often with a focus on revising teaching methods and managing potential risks.

Here are five important takeaways:

• Institutional embrace of GenAI: A significant number of higher education institutions (HEIs) are embracing GenAI, with 63% encouraging its use. Many universities provide detailed guidance for classroom integration, including sample syllabi (56%) and curriculum activities (50%). This indicates a shift towards accepting and integrating GenAI into the educational landscape.

• Focus on writing-related activities: A notable portion of GenAI guidance focuses on writing-related activities, while STEM-related activities, including coding, are mentioned less frequently and often vaguely (50%). This suggests an emphasis on GenAI's role in enhancing writing skills and a potential gap in exploring its applications in other disciplines.

• Ethical and privacy considerations: Over half of the institutions address the ethics of GenAI, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) (52%), as well as privacy concerns (57%). Common privacy advice includes exercising caution when sharing personal or sensitive data with GenAI. Discussions with students about the ethics of using GenAI in the classroom are also encouraged (53%).

• Rethinking pedagogy and increased workload: Both encouraging and discouraging GenAI use implies a rethinking of classroom strategies and increased workload for instructors and students. Institutions are providing guidance on flipping classrooms and rethinking teaching/evaluation strategies.

• Concerns about long-term impact and normalization: There are concerns regarding the long-term impact on intellectual growth and pedagogy. Normalizing GenAI use may make its presence indiscernible, posing ethical challenges and potentially discouraging intellectual development. Institutions may also be confusing acknowledging GenAI with experimenting with it in the classroom.