Elon University has unveiled a new AI student guide for the fall semester, developed in collaboration with The American Association of Colleges and Universities. This guide aims to help students navigate the ethical and productive use of artificial intelligence in their academic endeavors. Mustafa Akben, Director of AI Integration at Elon, emphasized that while the university has an overarching AI policy, the decision to integrate AI tools into classrooms will remain at the discretion of individual professors.

“We’re not here to replace human work,” Akben noted. “Each class and faculty member has the autonomy to decide how AI tools are used, whether they are fully integrated, restricted, or used selectively.”

This stance aligns with Elon’s honor code, which prohibits using tools not explicitly approved by faculty.

The guide offers students insights on effectively leveraging AI, addressing ethical concerns, and exploring AI’s role in future careers. A recent study by Resume Templates indicates that employers increasingly favor candidates with AI experience, even over those with more traditional work experience. This trend is part of Elon’s motivation to keep pace with technological advancements, Akben explained.

In addition to the AI guide, Elon is rolling out several AI-driven tools, including an academic advising chatbot and the upcoming ElonGPT. Initially available to faculty and staff, ElonGPT will later be accessible to students, offering a ChatGPT-like experience without using personal data for AI training. This tool, designed to promote responsible AI use, will be free for students.

The advising chatbot, piloted over the summer, assists with academic advising, registration queries, and general Elon-related questions, such as visitor recommendations.

Elon’s move to develop its own AI system, like ElonGPT, stems from a Tyton Partners report highlighting that 50% of students regularly use generative AI, with 75% of those intending to continue even if banned by educational institutions. Akben stressed the importance of teaching students how to use AI constructively, such as for brainstorming and outlining, while avoiding reliance on AI for completing assignments.

“You should engage your critical thinking,” Akben advised. “AI should support your learning journey, not replace it.”

The current version of ElonGPT for faculty and staff does not include the same educational safeguards and is designed to assist with tasks like creating reports, facilitating discussions, and summarizing documents. Akben encouraged faculty to report any issues with ElonGPT to ensure continuous improvement. Although Elon won’t monitor individual usage of ElonGPT due to privacy concerns, feedback from surveys will be used to assess its effectiveness. Akben also welcomed input from students on how AI could best support their academic and professional development.