I spy with my little AI

by Aleksa Kruger | Aug 13, 2024 | Breaking Headlines, News

On 16 July, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) expelled 50 students for severe breaches of academic integrity, including the submission of fraudulent medical certificates and incidents of plagiarism. This recent action has alarmed students at the University of Pretoria, prompting them to reflect on their own academic conduct. In response, PDBY reached out to UP’s legal services to review the university’s disciplinary process, particularly concerning the use of artificial intelligence.

 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of academia, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant topic of discussion, especially concerning academic integrity and the appropriate use of technology by students. The University of Pretoria is no exception as it navigates the complexities of AI’s role within its academic environment.

 

The head of UP’s legal services, Siphokazi Mlaba, provided PDBY with valuable insights into how the university’s disciplinary committee addresses issues related to AI use among students. According to Mlaba, when a lecturer suspects the use of AI or another breach of academic conduct, the matter is escalated to the disciplinary committee, which is responsible for making a judgement.

 

The UP disciplinary committee follows the following steps when addressing AI. Firstly, the committee considers what the study guide says regarding AI and the exact nature of instruction. The committee then considers the nature of the transgression. From there, a decision is made as to whether AI was used. The nature of punishment is determined by the degree of fault and whether the student is a repeat offender. Mlaba investigates each matter thoroughly, questioning lecturers and students before making a final decision.  

 

Mlaba stressed that the disciplinary committee is primarily rehabilitative. She shared that the department understands students’ stresses and tries to understand the situation from a student’s perspective before making a judgement. The department wants to protect the academic sanctity of the institution but also aims to assist students in understanding real-world developments that have transpired since the fourth industrial revolution. Mlaba urges students and staff not to view the department as the “boogie monster” but as a facility to aid in disputes. UP has yet to expel a pupil for AI use and tries to avoid a disciplinary trial, opting instead to try to settle the matter to avoid causing unnecessary stress to students.

 

The expertise of Mlaba and the rest of the disciplinary department seems to be overlooked in many AI disputes. Lecturers choose to settle the matter internally, putting complete, albeit misguided, faith in the AI detection system.

 

Mlaba’s insights show the university’s balanced approach to handling AI-related cases, emphasising rehabilitation over punishment and understanding over rigidity. By prioritising the institution’s academic integrity and its students’ well-being, the UP disciplinary committee seeks to foster a supportive environment that encourages responsible use of technology. As the academic world continues to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, UP’s approach serves as a thoughtful model for other institutions grappling with similar issues.

Aleksa Kruger
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