Arkansas State University-Mountain Home has released an open-source guidebook to help students and educators use artificial intelligence ethically, filling a gap many institutions face as AI becomes embedded in academic work. The move responds to broad student confusion and a lack of clear policies, offering other schools a template they can adapt.
Nearly 60% of U.S. college students say they use AI tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot for classwork at least once a week, according to a Gallup/Lumina Foundation poll. The guidebook, first published in May 2024 and revised twice since, incorporates findings from a student survey in which more than 80% of respondents said they wanted clearer guidance on AI use.
"AI is a fact of life. It's here to stay, and like any tool, it can be used for good or evil," said Jessica Clanton, a science faculty member who led the guide's development. "As educators, part of our responsibility is to teach students how to use AI, but do so ethically." She co-authored the latest version with Michael Thomas, an English faculty member, with support from the college's Workgroup on Artificial Intelligence.
Responding to student demand
Nursing student Miranda Edwards, a tutor who contributed to the revision, said the guide reduces uncertainty. "A lot of students worry about plagiarism with AI," she said. "Clear expectations make it easier on everyone." Edwards stressed that AI should support, not replace, original thinking - a concern echoed in research.
A June 2025 study by the MIT Media Lab found that participants who relied on ChatGPT to write essays had lower levels of brain activity and produced less original writing compared to groups that used search engines or no outside tools. The guide leans into that evidence, with sections devoted to "cognitive offloading" and how to use AI in ways that reinforce learning rather than bypass it.
What the updated guide includes
The most recent revision added guidance on AI meeting tools, such as AI-powered note-takers and transcription apps, addressing transparency, data privacy, and FERPA considerations for faculty and staff. It also covers "cognitive offloading," so students can understand when AI assistance undermines the critical thinking they need to build.
Rather than imposing blanket rules, the guide lets instructors decide how much AI use to permit. Clanton, for example, prohibits AI during exams in her courses but allows some use for assignments, with clear boundaries set in advance.
Open-source and classroom-ready
The college shares the guidebook freely with other institutions. Clanton said the working group created it in large part because they found so little published information on AI for Education at the higher-ed level. "We are setting the standard," said Chancellor Bentley Wallace. The document comes with ready-made resources that schools can adjust to their existing policies rather than requiring sweeping changes.
Why this matters for educators
The guide offers a concrete, adaptable framework for academic professionals who field daily questions about acceptable AI use. By leaning into the guide, faculty can reduce plagiarism anxiety, set clear expectations, and help students develop habits that apply well beyond campus. Edwards said the guidance has already helped her in her own work life, and she expects the same for peers entering workplaces where AI is prevalent.
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