Orange Pulse: SU students dish on classroom AI policies

The use of artificial intelligence, in just a few years, has become a routine part of college life around the country, including at Syracuse University. The problem, according to nearly 100 students surveyed by Orange Pulse, is that the rules surrounding AI use have not caught up.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents, 73.7%, said that they use AI for coursework daily or almost daily. At the same time, though, students described a campus environment where rules, guidelines and expectations differ from class to class. This leaves students feeling unsure of what’s allowed, and some wondering if using AI is worth the risk of potential punishment.

More than two-thirds of respondents, 67.7%, said that AI policies in their classes are contradictory to one another. Another 42.3% rated the clarity of their professors’ AI policies at three or below on a five-point scale.

That inconsistency has made some students cautious, even when they believe they’re following the rules. More than 80% of respondents told Orange Pulse that they have avoided using AI for permitted purposes because they were afraid they may be accused of cheating.

Freshman Gus Latorraca says a more consistent approach could help quell student concerns.

“I would change the way my classes handle AI by enhancing the overall clarity,” Latorraca said. “The easiest way is to have one consistent school-wide policy.”

Other students pointed towards a bigger issue. One that goes beyond just knowing what’s technically allowed. They want Syracuse to spend more time actively teaching students how to effectively use AI.

Senior Harry Robbins told Orange Pulse that the university should “teach us how to use [AI] as a tool instead of treating it as something that shouldn’t be used.”

“It’s clear that AI will be part of life after college,” Robbins said. “A good education would prepare students to be equipped with AI tools.”

That sentiment showed up in the survey. Nearly 70% of respondents rated their preparedness to use AI in their careers as a result of their SU education as three or below on a five-point scale.

For some, like senior Braden Miller, that feels especially disconnected based on what they’ve already seen in the workplace.

“There’s a prominent juxtaposition between AI usage in real-world industries and the classroom,” Miller told Orange Pulse. “Throughout all of my job experience interning for major entertainment companies, I have been encouraged to use AI to streamline work, write emails and strengthen decks. School prohibits using it for very similar purposes.”

That’s not to say the university hasn’t taken steps toward expanding AI access and education for its students. Last year, the school began providing access to Claude, one of the most popular AI chatbots, to its students for free. The university began offering seven AI minors through the School of Information Studies (iSchool). It also offers the opportunity for students to participate in a free AI bootcamp and to join United AI, a student organization.

But awareness of these programs remains relatively limited. Only 23.2% of respondents knew about the AI bootcamp, and only 32.3% knew about United AI. 13.1% of respondents told Orange Pulse that they were unaware of any of those four university AI resources.

Sophomore Josh Silberfarb says he’d like to see SU lean further into the new technology.

“Push to use it more, rather than try and get rid of it,” he said. “It’s extremely important to adapt, and I feel Syracuse kind of avoids it.”

Students say they’re not waiting for their school to decide whether AI belongs in education. It’s already being used. The bigger question for SU may be whether or not its AI policies are as clear.