Policies differ across departments as Elon integrates AI
Policies differ across departments as Elon integrates AI
Publish Date: 2026-04-26 10:39:00
Source Domain: www.elonnewsnetwork.com
As Elon University continues work to integrate artificial intelligence on campus, professors and students have varying degrees of adoption. Elon junior Emmaline Cousins, a public health major, said she frequently uses AI in her personal life but avoids using it for the majority of her school work.
“I think using it in a way of researching health topics is not the best way to use AI, because it’s a chat box telling you information based on the algorithm,” Cousins said. “But outlining things or formatting emails is a good way to use it.”
Cousins is taking the class PSY 3704: Psychology of Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood taught by Sarah Bunnell, an associate professor of psychology. In Bunnell’s syllabus for PSY 3704 she outlines the accepted use of AI for each type of assignment, which is limited to brainstorming and image generation for case studies and a self-concept map.
While most assignments in Bunnell’s class do not allow AI usage, Bunnell said this is done to make sure students are properly engaging with course content. Bunnell recognizes that AI can be a tool to facilitate learning, and said all AI use must be disclosed according to American Psychological Association guidelines.
“One of the key learning objectives is to learn ‘how do I apply really complicated frameworks and theories to myself and others,’” Bunnell said. “Doing the work of actual application and thinking about yourself when doing written reflections, that’s critical. That can’t be outsourced.”
According to Elon’s Generative AI Statement published by the Office of the Provost, Elon University sees generative AI as a tool for enhancing — but not replacing — teaching and learning.
“In line with our mission, we recognize the importance of equipping our students…
