NMU Physics Department policy on generative artificial intelligence usage:
The NMU Physics Department recognizes that artificial intelligence (“AI”) offers benefits and also
creates issues. The goal of the statements below is to provide clarity on how AI may be used in
positive ways and what uses of AI are prohibited.
1. By default, students are not permitted to use AI to find answers for work that is handed in for a
grade. A student using AI to complete graded work is similar to having another person do their
assignment and putting their own name on it. Example: While doing a homework assignment, a
student enters the question into an AI search system to get the answers. This is considered to be
cheating, and will be handled according to the student code of conduct.
2. Instructors in the Physics Department may allow responsible AI usage by students in their own
courses. In such cases, relevant information will be provided in the syllabus and further clarification
will be provided on the assignments. Students are responsible for understanding the policy and
should ask the instructor for clarification.
3. Concepts and results obtained from AI systems outside of the formal instructional environment will
not carry weight in any disputes over grades. Example: a student learned an incorrect fact from an
AI system when studying and used that answer on a test. The instructor is not obligated to give
credit for an incorrect answer ‘learned’ from an AI system.
4. AI can be useful in studying when it is used responsibly as a ‘tutor.’ For example, a student wants
additional examples on topic. The student tries the examples and compares them to the AI answers.
A key aspect of responsible use is to be able to check the reasoning process. Accepting facts at
face value without references or reasons is unprofessional.
Dated: April 2026.