Opportunities and risks of the use of artificial intelligence (AI)

Where does the line lie between acceptable and unauthorised use of text-generating AI?

It is not feasible to draw such a line in a way that applies universally to all academic disciplines at the university. The cultures within the various disciplines are too diverse, and they are engaging with the use of text-generating AI in different ways and at different paces. In any case, the Statute "Securing good scientific practice" provides a framework for guidance.

In which areas is it sensible or helpful to use AI?

We assume that the use of AI can be sensible and helpful in all areas – study and teaching, research and knowledge transfer. This also applies to all disciplines. It is likely that, just like other technical innovations, AI tools will become part of everyday student life and work; it is simply not yet clear to what extent.

If the use of AI is permitted, how can or should this be indicated?

Where the use of AI is permitted, the subject-specific labelling requirements apply. Your respective departments will keep you informed on this matter.

What should you be mindful of when using these tools?

The use of AI systems such as ChatGPT presents both opportunities and risks, and we would be well advised – both as individuals and as a university – to always bear both aspects in mind. In general, you should take care to protect your data – whether it be personal data such as email addresses or data you provide by entering prompts.

What alternative forms of assessment can we expect in the future?

It is too early to say at this stage. What is fairly certain is that there will be a reduction in tasks designed to test text reproduction.

Can you fail a term paper if you use AI?

Whether generative AI systems are permitted for the purpose of completing examination tasks depends on the specific competence being assessed and is determined by the examination regulations and the examiners. For example, in the case of tasks where the form of expression, linguistic expression or the creation of computer code is the subject of the examination, the use of such systems is generally not permitted.

What can you do if a lecturer refuses to accept your work on the grounds that it was allegedly written using AI?

All departments, teaching units and institutions have designated contact persons whom you can approach if you encounter any problems. In most cases, they can resolve your issue quickly and without red tape, as they are fully familiar with the local circumstances. You will find a link to your contact persons below.

In the event that your problem has not been resolved by the contact persons in the departments, teaching units and institutions, or could not be resolved, or if your concern relates to cross-disciplinary issues concerning the organisation of teaching and studies, you can contact the University of Münster’s central complaints office.

How does the University ensure student safety when dealing with AI?

Where necessary, the departments will adapt their curricula to focus on the acquisition of advanced skills, such as the ability to use AI critically and responsibly.

Links

Your contact persons

Central student complaints office

KI:connect.nrw

Based at RWTH Aachen University, the KI:connect.nrw project has been supporting higher education institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia since mid-2024 in providing state-wide access to commercial generative AI services.
 
One of the project’s first outcomes is a comprehensive documentation package, which is already being used successfully at RWTH Aachen University. Following the data protection clearance and the co-determination process, this package can now also be used at the University of Münster.
 
It includes checklists for the legally compliant use of generative AI services, templates for terms of use and a privacy policy, a data protection impact assessment, as well as information materials on legal and examination-related issues when dealing with generative AI. All documents are published under a CC-0 licence and can therefore be used in full by universities without attribution.

In the future, further project results, such as a state-wide user interface for generative AI systems, are to be made available.

Links

Download the document package

Visit the project website