AI Use Scale

Effective Fall Semester 2026, MU educators teaching undergraduate courses are responsible for labeling graded assignments and assessments with a level (0-3) from the MU Student AI Use Scale. This may be included in the class syllabus and/or assignment. This designation communicates expectations for how artificial intelligence may or may not be used in completing the assignment. 

This policy is intended to promote transparency, academic integrity, and responsible AI literacy by clearly communicating expectations for the appropriate use of artificial intelligence in coursework. MU educators retain full authority to determine whether AI use is permitted, restricted, or encouraged in their courses and assignments. 

Notes:

  • Instructors are encouraged to customize these levels and descriptions to fit their course context and assessment needs.
  • Adapted from the University of Kentucky GAI Use Scale.
  • Approved by Faculty Council for undergraduate education on April 2, 2026.

Level 0: Sole Author
Student’s Role: Sole Author
AI’s Role: None

Students complete all planning, outlining, drafting, research, analysis, creation and revision independently of AI. Widely used tools such as spellcheck, grammar check and web search are allowed unless specifically stated.

Level 1: Primary Author
Student’s Role: Primary Author
AI’s Role: Editing Assistant

Students generate most core ideas, prose and content. Students may use AI only for specific, limited support tasks such as organization, proofreading, formatting or web search.

Level 2: Collaborating Author
Student’s Role: Collaborating Author
AI’s Role: Collaborator

Students actively collaborate with AI on the assignment, using it for partial drafting and content generation while maintaining critical oversight.

Level 3: Supervising Author
Student’s Role: Supervising Author
AI’s Role: Supervised Agent

Students leverage AI extensively for complex problem-solving, synthesis and creation. The student serves as the author of record and certifies the accuracy, originality and ethical use of the final work.

MU Student AI Use Scale Resource Kit 

The MU Student AI Use Scale Resource Kit includes resources to support consistent implementation of the Student AI Use Scale across courses. 

Coming soon: MU Student AI Use Scale Video

Stay tuned for a video to learn more about the MU Student AI Use Scale and how to implement it across your courses.

Reference

Refer to the Faculty Handbook for the full, most up-to-date version of this policy (section XIV, article H, Additions to the Faculty Handbook).