Editor’s Note: This opinion-piece does not represent the opinion of Beaver’s Digest but rather it reflects the personal opinions of the writer.
Because Oregon State University cannot get on board with one policy, I’m so scared of being accused of improper AI use in my classes, and that my writing suffers as I attempt to dumb it down.
I am not an AI hater. I don’t think it’s contributing to the downfall of society. If I need a late night tutor and can’t understand a formula for my stats class, it’s helpful. If I need a list maker to help me narrow down my thoughts, it’s not bad. I do think AI can be a useful tool when you need it to be.
Now, full stop. Chat GPT does not write for me. I will occasionally ask its advice if I’m looking for a metaphor or want to reorder my essay outline, but I am the master of my own pen (or keyboard).
But every action has its equal opposite reaction and, honestly, I’ll just say it, it’s making me a worse writer and ultimately a worse student.
It’s also not just me. Harper Smith, a fourth-year double major in environmental economics and policy and sustainability, said in a text message that she doesn’t believe OSU is taking the right approach to AI because they are not fostering the appropriate use of the technology.
“I’ve had some amazing professors take up the cause and actively teach about AI, and how to use it well,” Smith said.
Smith also said in a text message that learning how to use AI requires ethical and moral training not just technological.
“As our educator, that falls to OSU to protect the arts and careers by teaching responsibility,” Smith said.
As the world of AI is still relatively new, none of my professors seem to be in agreement about how to handle it. Like Smith, I have had professors that are open to occasional use but make it very clear they do not approve of cheating. I have also had professors that simply say, ‘do not use it, it may as well be the devil’s seed’ (okay, that’s an exaggeration).
Therein lies the problem: how do you prove that I did or didn’t use AI? Why must I live in constant fear of my large vocabulary? I write for Orange Media Network, I am earning a writing minor, I want to use my fancy words, damnit!
When you google ‘Oregon State University AI Policy’ the first three things to pop up are the College of Science Artificial Intelligence Guidelines, ecampus artificial intelligence tools, and Center for Teaching and Learning’s AI tips.
Simply based on a google search or a search within the OSU site for “AI Policy”, OSU does not appear to have any kind of overarching policy surrounding their stance on student use of AI.
Once I asked ChatGPT, “Do you know if there is anything online about Oregon State University professors or maybe just the institution having discourse on AI?” I was magically given a link to the vision statement for OSU’s future relationship with AI.
OSU’s Future AI page states, “Vision for AI @ OSU: Oregon State University will be a visionary leader driving equitable, scalable and sustainable advancements in artificial intelligence education, research, knowledge translation and innovation, preparing the next generation workforce and partnering locally and globally in artificial intelligence technology development to empower societal change.”
The new Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex, planned to open in 2026, also indicates OSU’s possible positive feelings towards AI. As well as the AI@OSU Advisory group seems to have been put together recently. They state their goal is to “consider the implications and best use of AI in the areas of teaching, research, and business operations from an enterprise-wide perspective”.
All signs point towards, if not a welcoming feeling, then a willingness to learn about AI. However, without a written policy, students like myself are then obligated to throw ourselves to the mercy of each professor’s syllabus.
Since no two professors define ‘acceptable AI use’ the same way, it opens the door to confusion, stress, and a constant fear that our honest work in one class could be considered misconduct in another.
The goal of university, in general, is to foster the development of skills. Because of this uncertainty, however, my skills end up stifled in the classroom.
