AI Policy & the Writing Center

Missouri State University Writing Center AI Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines the University Writing Center’s approach to generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT, GrammarlyGO, Claude, etc.) and their use in academic writing. The goal is to foster ethical, responsible, and informed use of AI in ways that support, rather than replace, students’ learning and writing development.

Core Principles

  1. Learning First. The Writing Center exists to support students in developing their writing skills. While AI tools can assist with brainstorming, revision, or language support, they should not replace the critical thinking, drafting, and revising process central to academic writing.
  2. Academic Integrity. Students are responsible for understanding and following the guidelines for using AI provided by their instructors or departments. The Writing Center will not knowingly assist with writing that violates course or institutional academic honesty policies.
  3. Transparency and Disclosure. Students are encouraged to be transparent about their use of AI tools. To better guide the session during consultations, consultants may ask whether AI tools were used and in what capacity.
  4. Equity and Access. Not all students have equal access to AI tools. The Writing Center promotes equitable learning by focusing on human-centered writing development rather than assuming prior use or familiarity with AI.

Guidelines for Students

Acceptable AI Use

  • Brainstorming topics or outlines.
  • Getting feedback on sentence structure or grammar (similar to spell-check).
  • Exploring models of academic tone or genre.
  • Clarifying citation formatting.

Unacceptable AI Use

  • Submitting AI-generated content as one’s work.
  • Using AI to complete full assignments without the instructor's permission.
  • Relying solely on AI for content creation without engagement or understanding.

How Consultants Will Engage with AI in Sessions

Consultants may help students:

  • Evaluate the quality and appropriateness of AI-generated content.
  • Revise AI-assisted drafts while emphasizing the student’s voice and critical thinking.
  • Understand the limitations, biases, and ethical concerns associated with AI tools.

Consultants will not:

  • Generate content for students using AI tools.
  • Edit or revise AI-generated work without student involvement.
  • Guarantee that AI-generated text is accurate, original, or acceptable for academic credit.

What Does It Mean to “Revise AI-Assisted Drafts While Emphasizing the Student’s Voice and Critical Thinking”?

It means consultants help students shape AI-influenced writing into authentic, thoughtful work that reflects their voice and ideas.

  1. Focus on Student Voice: Ensure the writing sounds like the student, not a machine. Encourage clarity, personal tone, and alignment with assignment expectations.
  2. Promote Critical Engagement: Help students think critically about AI-generated suggestions. Ask: Does this make sense? Does it support your argument? Would your instructor expect this?
  3. Encourage Ownership: Guide students in revising AI content and not accepting it passively, so they actively engage with their drafts and learn from the process.

Consultants do not simply edit AI-generated text. Instead, they collaborate with students to deepen learning and preserve academic integrity.

Faculty Collaboration

The Writing Center encourages faculty to clearly articulate their AI expectations in syllabi and assignments. Consultants will defer to course-specific guidelines when AI usage is in question.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to reflect changes in AI technology, university policy, and Writing Center practices.

For More Information

Contact the Writing Center Director, Michael Frizell, with questions about this policy or to request workshops on AI literacy, academic integrity, or writing with emerging technologies.