Generative AI Information for Students

Explore our guide to using new tools while keeping your work your own.

How might Generative AI be used for learning?

When appropriate for context and discipline, GenAI might be used to enhance learning. Some examples might include:

  • Expand on ideas for projects or papers
  • Support finding or searching for resources, information, research etc. (research partner)
  • Summarize complex readings or explain difficult concepts
  • Generate practice questions to study for exams
  • Help organize notes to improve understanding of concepts
  • Outline essays or presentations
  • Explore examples, such as sample code or problem‑solving steps
  • Improve clarity in writing or refine drafts

AI is a powerful tool—but it works best when you stay actively engaged, evaluate the output critically and make it your own.

Responsible and Ethical Use

Just like any academic tool, AI has guidelines for use at USD. While instructors may set more specific rules for their courses, here are core expectations:

Academic Integrity and AI

Using GenAI in ways that misrepresent your own work may be considered academic misconduct under USD policy. If you’re unsure whether something is acceptable, ask your instructor or consult the USD Student Rights and Responsibilities site. 

Tips for Getting the Most out of GenAI

  • Start with your own ideas before turning to AI.
  • Ask specific questions rather than vague ones.
  • Try multiple prompts to compare outputs.
  • Verify sources and AI output.
  • Edit and personalize and AI generated text.
  • Document what you used AI for (e.g., brainstorming, proofreading).

Note on Embedded AI Tools

Many commonly used educational and productivity tools now incorporate AI-assisted features by default. This includes tools marketed as “helpers,” “editors,” or “study aids.” Students should not assume that a tool does not use AI simply because it is familiar. If a tool is creating, rephrasing or predicting content for you, it is likely using AI.

A tool may be using AI if it:

  • Automatically rewrites, summarizes, paraphrases or expands text.
  • Suggests sentences, answers or explanations rather than just formatting or checking spelling.
  • Generates content when you click buttons such as “suggest,” “improve,” “rewrite,” “solve,” or “summarize.”
  • Produces responses that sound complete, polished or instructional without showing intermediate steps.
  • Adapts responses based on your past behavior or inputs.

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