Proposed Amendment to Include Artificial Intelligence in Student Conduct Standards at El Camino College

El Camino College Considers Adding Artificial Intelligence Misuse to Student Conduct Standards

A proposed amendment to include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the standards of student conduct at El Camino College is set to undergo the Board of Trustees’ first reading on Monday, April 15. The amendment aims to address the issue of students misrepresenting AI-generated work as their own in academic exercises, classifying it as dishonesty and subject to disciplinary action.

The amendment, which was approved by the Academic Senate last semester, will be on the agenda for the next two Board of Trustees meetings. A second reading and voting for adoption are scheduled for May 20. If approved, misrepresenting the use of AI as one’s own work will be considered misconduct and could result in removal, suspension, or expulsion.

The proposal has sparked discussions among faculty and staff, with concerns raised during a recent College Council meeting. Director of the Student Development Office, Ricky Gonzalez, emphasized the need to redefine academic dishonesty in light of technological advancements. He compared students using AI to those using unauthorized aids like notes or calculators without permission.

Despite the potential for disciplinary action, Gonzalez advocates for a non-disciplinary approach, urging instructors to understand why students turn to AI and provide guidance to promote academic honesty. Dean of Counseling and Student Success, Dipte Patel, emphasized the importance of teaching students how to use AI appropriately, considering its relevance in future careers.

Math professor Lars Kjeseth highlighted the need to adapt to the reality of AI in education, expressing his own interest in incorporating the technology meaningfully in his classroom. He envisions the potential for El Camino College to host an annual “Using AI” summit in the future, recognizing the tool’s potential for enhancing learning experiences.

As El Camino College navigates the integration of AI into student conduct standards, the discussions surrounding the proposed amendment reflect the ongoing efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements in education.