Dear Colleagues:
Generative AI is changing the conditions under which knowledge is created, shared and evaluated. As a public research university, UCLA has an obligation to engage these developments with curiosity, rigor and care; to explore their possibilities, assess their risks and ask whether and how they can serve our educational mission. That work should be guided by the enduring purposes of a UCLA education: intellectual effort, critical inquiry, creativity, integrity and human judgment.
The appropriate uses and limits of generative AI will vary across disciplines, courses and instructional contexts. UCLA leadership is committed to supporting thoughtful engagement with these questions, grounded in faculty expertise and advanced through the appropriate process of shared governance.
This message reflects UCLA leadership’s commitment to sustained, thoughtful engagement with generative AI; it does not establish new academic policy. We provide these resources below to support you as you prepare courses and communicate expectations consistent with applicable Academic Senate, school, division, department and program policies.
Faculty and students are receiving additional messages from Digital & Technology Solutions (DTS) this week covering the expanded AI-enabled capabilities becoming available through UCLA Google Workspace. The availability of these capabilities does not presume that AI should be used in any particular course or assignment. As shared in that message, faculty are encouraged to clearly communicate expectations for AI use in their syllabi and assignments so that students understand what is permitted, what is prohibited and when attribution or disclosure may be required.
Resources for Faculty and Instructors
- Course communication: The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) offers a teaching guide and sample language that instructors may adapt in their syllabi when explaining whether, when and how AI tools may be used in a course or assignment.
- Teaching support: TLC offers workshops and related resources for instructors and teaching assistants considering how AI may affect teaching and learning, including those who choose to limit or not use AI.
- Optional student resource: A customizable AI Literacy Module is available in Bruin Learn for instructors who determine that it aligns with their course goals.
- Other available tools: DTS maintains a list of AI tools available through UCLA.
For academic integrity questions, consult the UCLA Student Conduct Code and applicable Academic Senate, school, department, program and course policies. Please reach out to help@teaching.ucla.edu for questions about teaching resources.
Broader policy questions raised by AI will continue to be addressed through the appropriate shared-governance and administrative processes. UCLA will share additional information following review and consultation.
UCLA is committed to supporting clear expectations, rigorous learning and informed judgment, whether instructors integrate AI, restrict its use or choose not to use it. Our shared responsibility is to help our students develop the knowledge, understanding and durable human skills to navigate a world in which AI technologies are increasingly present.
Sincerely,
Darnell Hunt
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
Erin Sanders O’Leary
Vice Provost for Teaching & Learning