Abstract:

This presentation and accompanying paper will offer a comprehensive overview of the ethical considerations and evolving practices surrounding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) by faculty in higher education. While the extant literature has increasingly addressed the implications of Gen-AI for students use within the lens of academic integrity, there remains a critical need to examine how faculty themselves are engaging with these technologies.

Current discourse has largely focused on student-centered applications of Gen-AI, including ethical dilemmas in academic honesty, the integration of Gen-AI tools into learning environments, and the recalibration of student learning outcomes in response to AI-assisted work. These discussions have prompted institutions to reconsider pedagogical models, assessment validity, and the role of AI literacy in higher education.

However, the faculty perspective, both as users and gatekeepers of academic standards, requires further exploration. Faculty are increasingly leveraging Gen-AI for a range of professional responsibilities, including but not limited to the development of instructional content and assessments, scholarly research and writing, administrative and service-related tasks, data analysis for accreditation and institutional effectiveness, and the evaluation of student submissions. These applications raise important questions about authorship, transparency, bias, and the boundaries of ethical use.

This presentation will critically examine these emerging practices through the lens of Gen-AI ethics and fair use, drawing on current literature, case studies, and institutional policies. It will also explore the implications for faculty development, academic policy, and the future of teaching and scholarship in an AI-augmented academic landscape. Ultimately, this work aims to contribute to a more nuanced and balanced understanding of Gen-AI’s role in higher education, advocating for thoughtful integration that upholds academic integrity, equity, and pedagogical excellence.

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Ethics.