Artificial Intelligence and Student Work in the Honors College

Large Language Models and other forms of artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming more widely available and are beginning to shape how we think, learn, and write. In the Honors College, we encourage thoughtful discussion about these technologies and their implications.

Honors education emphasizes writing that is deeply connected to your own insights, experiences, and intellectual growth. AI tools can be valuable for brainstorming ideas, improving clarity and structure, or checking grammar and formatting. When used in these ways, they can support your development as a writer.

However, AI should never replace your own thinking, creativity, or drafting process. Relying on AI to generate original work not only results in lower-quality writing, but also undermines the purpose of an Honors education: to challenge yourself, wrestle with ideas, and grow through that process. Presenting AI-generated work as your own without acknowledgment is also a violation of academic honesty.

Ultimately, learning in the Honors College requires you to do the intellectual “heavy lifting” yourself. The struggle and effort are what make you stronger as a thinker, writer, and researcher.

You are encouraged to speak directly with your Honors faculty about their expectations for (or restrictions on) generative AI usage in each class. Some may want you to experiment with these technologies (with proper citation of their usage); others may prefer that you avoid using them in their classes. Checking with each of your professors individually is the best way to ensure that you are using AI tools appropriately.

The University of Maine’s Fogler Library staff have developed a helpful LibGuide to assist you in navigating the development and use of artificial intelligence. Check out Hot Topics: Artificial Intelligence for background information and resources.