Students writing about a book like Woodward's The Strange Career of Jim Crow may be tempted to ask a chatbot for a summary or even a full draft. Without a clear policy, they may not know what is allowed, and teachers may find themselves in difficult disputes over academic integrity. A well-written AI use policy prevents misunderstandings and teaches students to use new tools responsibly. It also signals that you have thought carefully about what the assignment is meant to develop.

Begin by deciding what skills the assignment is designed to build. If the goal is to practice close reading and original argument, then having a chatbot summarize the book or write the thesis defeats the purpose. If the goal is to practice revision, then limited AI use for feedback on a student's own draft may be acceptable. The policy should flow from these learning goals rather than from a general fear of technology.

State the rules in specific terms. Rather than saying "do not use AI inappropriately," explain which uses are permitted, which are prohibited, and which require disclosure. For example, you might allow students to ask a tool to explain unfamiliar vocabulary but prohibit using it to generate any text that appears in the essay. Ambiguity creates problems because students interpret vague rules in their own favor.

Elements of a Clear Policy

A good policy covers permitted uses, prohibited uses, disclosure requirements, and consequences. It should also explain the reasoning, since students are more likely to follow rules they understand. Provide concrete examples tailored to the assignment, such as whether students may use AI to brainstorm questions about Woodward's argument. Include a statement about accuracy, since AI tools can invent quotations or misdescribe historical claims.

• Specify which tasks may involve AI, such as brainstorming or vocabulary support
• Specify which tasks are prohibited, such as generating thesis statements or paragraphs
• Require a short disclosure note describing any AI use and how it was used
• Warn students that AI tools can fabricate quotations and misstate historical facts
• Explain the consequences of violating the policy and how concerns will be handled

Designing Assignments That Support Integrity

Policy is only part of the solution, since assignment design also matters. Prompts that require specific passages from the assigned text, connections to class discussions, or personal analysis of a local primary source are harder to outsource. Process-based components, such as an outline, a draft with peer feedback, and a short reflection, make it easier to see the student's own thinking develop. Including a brief in-class writing component can also help verify that submitted work reflects the student's abilities.

Avoid relying solely on AI detection software, which can produce false positives and false negatives and may unfairly accuse students. Instead, use conversation, such as asking a student to explain their argument in person, as a way to assess authorship fairly. Document your process so that any concerns are handled consistently. Fairness and transparency protect students and teachers alike.

Communicating the Policy and Revisiting It

Introduce the policy at the start of the assignment, not buried in a syllabus on the first day of the term. Walk through examples in class and invite questions, since students often have practical scenarios in mind. Providing a one-page summary that they can reference while writing reduces accidental violations. Clear communication shows that your goal is to guide students, not to catch them.

Review the policy each term as technology and student practices change. Ask students and colleagues what worked and what caused confusion, and revise accordingly. Many schools and departments are developing shared guidelines, and aligning with them can reduce inconsistency across classrooms. A policy that evolves with experience will remain useful rather than becoming a dead letter.