How Boise State’s Online BBA Program Is Integrating AI Tools and Academic Integrity

AI in Higher Education: Boise State’s Online Bachelor of Business Administration and AI Tools

Artificial intelligence tools are now widely accessible to both students and faculty, prompting many universities to develop clear guidelines on when and how AI can be used in coursework. Some programs go further by integrating AI literacy and academic integrity into their curricula.

Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management is actively incorporating AI studies to teach students how to use these tools as partners rather than replacements for critical thinking. This approach raises questions about how AI fits into a program focused on managerial skills, leadership, and business ethics, and what it means for university policies overall.

Understanding AI’s Role in Higher Education

AI tools are increasingly becoming a standard part of higher education. Faculty report that AI speeds up course material preparation and allows for more personalized student experiences. Students are even more reliant on AI, with a 2025 study showing that 95.6% of students admit to using AI tools for coursework assistance.

Despite these benefits, AI has limitations and must be used thoughtfully and in line with specific program policies.

How AI is Used in Boise State’s Online Management Program

AI integration happens both as a practical tool and as a subject for critical evaluation. Many instructors have set AI policies for their courses. Assignments are designed to provide hands-on experience while encouraging reflection on AI’s benefits, risks, and limitations.

For example, the course BUSMGT 300 requires students to complete a mandatory AI Literacy and Academic Success workshop to build responsible AI use skills. In the advanced course BUSMGT 420 (Managing Innovation and Change), students can earn extra credit by using OpenAI’s Playground to generate a one-page bio, followed by a two-page APA-formatted analysis discussing AI’s potential uses, misuses, and managerial applications.

This method pairs AI tools with strong research skills, fostering student agency. It encourages learners to make informed decisions, critically evaluate information, and use AI to enhance their intellectual work rather than replace it.

AI Use Policies in the Online Management Program

There is no single AI policy across the university; instead, policies vary by instructor. Each instructor’s approach reflects their expectations for critical thinking and responsible AI use.

Students are encouraged to respect these differing policies. Faculty emphasize that AI-generated content often lacks originality and depth, reinforcing the value of authentic thought and analysis. Assignments are regularly updated to balance skill-building with ethical AI use.

Academic Integrity and Responsible AI Use at Boise State

Boise State’s general policy prohibits submitting AI-generated work as one’s own. AI-produced content is permitted only if it is properly disclosed or credited. Failure to do so may be considered plagiarism under the university’s Code of Student Conduct.

The university discourages the use of AI detection tools, as they can produce false positives and unfairly flag authentic student work. Faculty and students are encouraged to consult Boise State’s AI in Education resources to stay informed about responsible AI use within university guidelines.

Best Practices for Transparent AI Use

AI policies and best practices vary by institution and instructor and evolve alongside AI tools. Students should regularly review current policies to ensure compliance.

Boise State has specific generative AI policies to protect sensitive data and copyrighted materials.

Building AI Literacy

AI literacy involves understanding how AI tools generate content, how to use them effectively, and how to evaluate or edit their outputs. To support this, Boise State offers self-paced AI Literacy and Academic Success courses through Bronco Learn, accessible to anyone with a boisestate.edu email.

AI Tools Available to Boise State Students

• boisestate.ai: A free, cloud-hosted AI platform with multiple AI models, including Claude Sonnet 4, governed by Boise State’s standards.
• Google Gemini and NotebookLM: Approved AI assistants integrated into Google products for content generation and research organization.

Other widely known tools include:

• Grammarly: Its use depends on department or class policy due to generative AI features and potential AI detection triggers.
• ChatGPT: Occasionally used by faculty as a teaching tool but generally restricted for student use because of security concerns related to generative AI.

Students must always cite or disclose AI use in their coursework to maintain transparency and uphold academic integrity.