As a Writing Center, we aim to provide students with learning support and guidance and empower them in their writing journeys. Critical thinking, analysis, continuous growth, and creativity are the cornerstones of writing and key elements necessary for student success; we strive to foster these qualities in each session. Generative AI can be a useful supplementary tool for writing or conducting research. However, our Writing Center approaches this from a balanced perspective and believes if one chooses to use these tools, they must do so effectively and ethically. Writing is a human-first activity, not something that is merely technologically generated. We emphasize that students must be mindful of their instructors’ AI policies, adhere to the policies put forth in their syllabi, and correctly cite their use of AI in their writing to ensure academic integrity. 

Ways to use AI:

• Brainstorming (guided questioning, concept mapping, etc.)
• Creating an outline for organization purposes
• Formatting citations 

• Grammar help

However, you must exercise caution when using information from AI or using it to create citations. ALWAYS double check AI-generated content because it can often produce inaccurate or outright false information. AI, like humans, is imperfect and can be wrong!

Do NOT use AI to:

• Write your paper for you
• Come up with your paper’s topic (core ideas and analysis should come from you)
• Replace critical reading and research (AI can sometimes generate citations that are incorrect or fabricated, so the writer must verify the authenticity of sources it suggests and not rely on AI-generated summaries of works)

Citing AI-Generated Content

If your instructor allows AI usage, you must CITE to ensure academic integrity. If you do not do so, you will be reported for plagiarism. 

This Generative AI Citation Guide from Germanna Community College provides examples of how to properly cite your AI usage in multiple citation styles.