This policy covers uses of AI tools including large language models, generative AI platforms, image generators and AI assisted research and writing aids. It applies to all coursework, assignments, projects, practicum deliverables and any other work submitted by students for assessment.

Given that AI tools are increasingly used in the field (including management of arts organizations, cultural policy, creative industries, heritage, tourism, venue management and other related areas) it is important for students to learn to use these tools effectively, responsibly and ethically, while also subjecting them to critical assessment for their effects on the field and on individuals and groups an organization serves and on society as a whole. Training in this field at the university level, especially in the case of graduate education, demands each student to engage in analytical thinking, original argument, professional judgment and disciplinary expertise. A balance between responsible use of AI and development of one own’s skills is vital for a student’s preparation for careers in the field.

This policy supplements, but does not supersede, UB’s broader Academic Integrity Policy. Where a conflict arises, the more restrictive provision applies. Students are encouraged to consult with instructors, their advisors or the director when uncertain about the permissibility of a specific AI use.

Unless an assignment explicitly prohibits AI assistance, students may use AI tools for the purposes described below. All permitted AI use must be disclosed in a statement included in the assignment as described in this document.

AI tools may be used to support the writing process in the following ways:

• Brainstorming, generating initial ideas, or developing outlines as a starting point for the student's own writing
• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation checking
• Light copy-editing for clarity, sentence flow or word choice provided the underlying ideas, analysis and arguments remain the student's own
• Translation assistance to support students working across languages

AI may not be used to draft, rewrite or substantially expand paragraphs, sections or the body of any written assignment. Critical analysis, argument development, reflective writing and original interpretation are core learning outcomes of this program and must be the student's own work.

AI tools may be used to format bibliographic citations and references according to required style guides (e.g., Chicago, APA, MLA). Students are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all formatted citations, as AI tools are known to produce incorrect or fabricated references. Submitting an inaccurate citation, regardless of how it was generated, is the student's responsibility.

AI tools may be used to support the research process, including:

• Conducting searches for sources, databases, articles and documents relevant to an assignment topic
• Generating summaries or overviews of articles, reports or texts to aid in preliminary research and source evaluation
• Identifying relevant theories with summaries and sources that have potential for a student’s original research
• Students must independently read, evaluate and verify any sources before citing or relying on them. AI tools frequently misrepresent, fabricate or hallucinate sources and factual claims. No AI-generated summary or source description may be cited directly or submitted as the student's own analysis of a source.

A core purpose of this program is to prepare students to produce professional-quality documents used in cultural management. AI tools may be used to assist in generating, formatting or drafting the following types of practical documents, unless an assignment explicitly prohibits such use:

• Project and program budgets, financial projections and financial reports
• Grant budget narratives
• Production and project schedules; event timelines and work plans
• Meeting agendas and minutes
• Board reports, executive summaries and staff memoranda
• Organizational charts and staffing plans
• Marketing and communications plans; press release templates
• Logic models and program evaluation frameworks
• Policy documents, bylaws drafts and procedural manuals
• Job descriptions and human resources documentation
• Donor acknowledgment letter templates and development communications
• Contract templates and vendor agreements (not for legal advice)

Students are responsible for the accuracy, appropriateness and professional quality of all documents they submit, regardless of whether AI was used in their production. AI-generated figures, projections or data must be verified and grounded in actual research or organizational context provided by the student.

Students may use AI image-generation tools to create original images, graphics, illustrations, diagrams or visual assets to be included in assignments, presentations or design projects.

When doing so, students must:

• Disclose the AI tool used and briefly describe the prompts or inputs provided
• Ensure that generated images do not reproduce, closely imitate, or infringe upon the work of identifiable artists or copyrighted visual material
• AI-generated images may not be used for assignments that specifically require students to demonstrate their own visual design skills

The following uses of AI are prohibited in all program coursework unless written permission is granted by the instructor in advance:

• Submitting AI-generated text as the student's own writing, in whole or in substantial part, for any written assignment, reflection paper, case analysis, essay, research paper or similar work
• Using AI to generate critical analysis, scholarly argument or interpretive content that the assignment requires the student to produce independently
• Using AI to complete take-home examinations, timed assessments or any assignment designated as an individual assessment of the student's own knowledge
• Entering confidential, proprietary or sensitive information, including organizational financial data, personnel records, donor information, client details or practicum partner materials into any AI platform or tool 
• Representing AI-generated content as original research, original data analysis or the student's own professional opinion
• Using AI to fabricate, invent, or misrepresent sources, quotations, data or factual claims

All assignments must include an AI Use Disclosure Statement. This statement must appear at the end of the submitted work, before the bibliography or references section. It should be clearly labeled.

If AI was not used in any form, the statement should read:

AI Use Statement: No artificial intelligence tools were used in the preparation of this assignment.

If AI was used in any capacity, the statement must specify:

• The AI tool(s) used
• The purpose(s) for which each tool was used (grammar checking, budget formatting, image generation)
• For image generation: a brief description of the prompts used
• A confirmation that all AI-assisted content was reviewed, verified and that the student takes full responsibility for its accuracy 

Failure to include an AI Use Disclosure Statement or submitting a statement that does not accurately reflect AI use, constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students are fully responsible for the accuracy, quality, integrity and originality of all work they submit, regardless of what tools were used in its preparation.

AI tools can and do produce errors, including fabricated citations, incorrect statistics, outdated information, misattributed quotations and plausible-sounding but factually wrong claims. Students must critically evaluate all AI-generated content before incorporating it into any assignment. Submitting inaccurate work, no matter the source or reason, will be assessed accordingly.

Students are also responsible for ensuring that their use of AI does not violate copyright, privacy or confidentiality obligations, including obligations they may hold toward practicum partners or client organizations.

Violations of this policy will be treated as violations of the program's academic integrity standards and will be referred to the appropriate institutional process. Potential consequences range from a failing grade on the assignment to dismissal from the program, depending on the severity and context of the violation.

If a student is uncertain whether a particular use of an AI tool is permitted under this policy or under the specific requirements of an assignment, they should consult their instructor before submitting the work. Asking in advance is always the appropriate course of action.

Many AI platforms retain user inputs and may use them for model training or other purposes. Students must not enter into any AI tool:

• Personally identifiable information about third parties
• Confidential financial, strategic or operational information belonging to arts organizations, including practicum partners
• Donor, member, patron or client data of any kind
• Internal communications, personnel matters or board materials obtained through practicum or professional relationships

Students who are uncertain whether information is confidential should treat it as confidential and refrain from entering it into AI tools.