Using ChatGPT in academic assignments is becoming increasingly risky for students, as universities crack down on such misconduct. An investigation by The Tab has revealed that several universities, including Nottingham Trent University, De Montfort University, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Bedfordshire, and University of Winchester, have taken strict action against students caught using the chatbot. Punishments range from failing the assignment to failing the entire unit, potentially impacting students’ overall degree marks.
One student at the University of the Arts London (UAL) admitted to using AI to rephrase a paragraph in their essay. After facing a panel of staff members, the student was found guilty of moderate academic misconduct. UAL’s website states that students may be asked to resubmit the work, repeat the unit, or even repeat the entire year. Furthermore, if a student is required to repeat a unit or year at UAL, they must pay full fees.
The investigation by The Tab into the use of ChatGPT among students within the first six months of its launch has revealed the widespread adoption of this software. Freedom of information requests sent to 114 universities uncovered that over 40% of them have investigated students for using AI bots like ChatGPT to cheat in their assessments.
De Montfort University has found 22 students guilty of using ChatGPT, and the university’s response has varied from reducing marks or failing the assignment to failing the entire unit, resulting in a score of zero for an entire term’s worth of work. In most cases, students caught using ChatGPT have received a fail for the specific assessment. Depending on the severity, some are given the opportunity to resit with a capped mark, while others receive an immediate zero.
The University of York, a Russell Group institution, has capped one student’s assessment at 29% below the pass mark and given another student a zero. St Andrews, the second best university in the UK according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, has found three students guilty of using an AI chatbot to cheat, resulting in zero marks for their assessments. The University of Glasgow has investigated and upheld four cases, with one student receiving the lowest possible grade, Grade H, and no opportunity to resit.
However, there are some universities adopting alternative approaches. Liverpool Hope University is dealing with ChatGPT use pastorally and has allowed three students to resubmit their work without mentioning any grade capping. The University of Bolton has taken a fail and repeat approach without indicating any grade capping for the second attempt. The University of Chichester issued a written warning to one student for using an AI chatbot, considering its use during marking.
While some universities are taking strict measures, others are handling the situation in a more lenient manner. It is crucial for students to understand the consequences of using AI chatbots for academic assignments and make ethical choices to avoid jeopardizing their academic progress.
