“Overkill”: Students criticise new mandate to declare AI use

A new mandate for AI declarations for assignments has sparked concern for Massey distance students over the need for such a policy.  

60% of students feel negatively towards Massey’s new AI policy, according to a survey by Massive taken by distance students.  

The policy requires students to submit details of any AI use or providing proof that none was used.  

The university has committed to stopping the use AI detection software, instead using the declaration process.  

Distance student Kat Johnston was having trouble uploading evidence of AI use and took to the Massey@Distance Facebook page for help.  

She wrote, “I couldn’t seem to upload photos to prove I didn’t use AI as the submission box only allowed one upload... has anyone seen the template by the way? Ridiculous! Almost puts me off studying all together if this is what’s expected EVERY assignment.” 

Provost professor Giselle Byrnes said, “The purpose of the AI Use framework is to ensure that students develop the skills necessary to use generative AI effectively in the workplace. We understand that this change may take time to adjust to”.  

Students are required to keep drafts or versions of their final submissions, which may be requested by course coordinators.  

“There is no expectation for students to use genAI in every assignment. However, when its use is required, the time and effort needed to submit a prompt history will be considered in the assessment design.” 

Byrnes encouraged students to regularly save progress using tools like OneDrive or Google Drive, which automatically save version histories.  

“With AI now allowed in most assessments, the expectation is that students complete the AI declaration honestly, making the use of AI detection tools no longer necessary.”  

In responses to Massive’s survey, one student labelled the AI declaration as "overkill", particularly when no AI had been used in their work. 

Another student said, “It’s definitely made me worried, and I don’t love the idea of submitting the version history as that seems like a violation of my academic process and rights.” 

This thinking appeared to be widespread.  

When asked whether the policy had caused delays or confusion with assignment submissions, 43.6% of students reported experiencing difficulties, 46.2% said they had no issues, and 10.3% noted a minor impact on their submission process.  

Many questioned whether the policy would effectively address AI misuse.  

One survey participant, “people are going to use it regardless”. While another said, “I won’t be fully comfortable with Massey AI policy until I am able to verify the reliability and efficacy of the detection software used.” 

Massey isn’t the only university countering AI’s rampant effects.  

Last year, the University of Canterbury introduced its own AI declaration, similar to Massey's, requiring students to disclose where and how they have used AI. 

And at the University of Otago, students are not required to complete a declaration but must disclose AI use when submitting assignments, in accordance with a 2024 AI policy update.  

Universities shifting from AI detection software comes after numerous reports of inaccuracy. The 2023 study Testing of detection tools for AI-generated text found that across 14 AI detection software's, the accuracy of the tools ranged from 33% to 81%. 

While many students have expressed concerns about the new policy, one anonymous student said that Massey "needed this", while another who doesn't use AI noted, "I can with confidence hand in all my assignments without an issue." 

When asked if students were aware of the new policy, 10.3% said they were unaware, while many noted they had learned about it directly through classmates, teachers or online groups. 

Advocacy support Katrina McGregor recommended students regularly checking assignment briefs for AI usage guidelines, as requirements may vary between courses and assignments. 

McGregor said that “if the first A.I. declaration takes extra time to navigate the new framework, extensions are available to assist students in meeting the requirements”. 

Additionally, a webinar and Q&A session hosted by Jean Jacoby and Te Tira Ahu Pae on Tuesday, March 18, aimed to clarify the policy.

The recording and transcript are available on the Te Tira Ahu Pae website for students to access. 

For those still struggling to understand or feel comfortable with the policy, McGregor encouraged accessing the library’s writing support services.