Since the release of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, instructors are wrestling with how to maintain academic honesty when students have access to artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can assist them with completing course work. This paper explores the key ethical considerations that an instructor should evaluate when managing students’ use of AI tools. It reviews the syllabus guidance provided by 95 universities that house agribusiness and applied economics programs regarding ethical considerations for managing AI usage. A checklist of key considerations is created to guide instructors who are considering developing course policies for managing the use of AI in their classes. The checklist is used on a data analytics course to demonstrate how to create syllabus statements for the use of AI.

Abeysekera, I. 2024. “ChatGPT and Academia on Accounting Assessments.” Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity 10(1):1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100213

Agricultural & Applied Economics Association. n.d. Agricultural & Applied Economics Departments. Retrieved from https://www.aaea.org/about-aaea/agricultural-and-applied-economics-departments [December 12, 2024]

Ali, A., A.H. Collier, U. Dewan, N. McDonald, and A. Johri. 2025. “Analysis of Generative AI Policies in Computing Course Syllabi.” SIGCSETS 2025: Proceedings of the 56th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education V. 1:18–24. https://doi.org/10.1145/3641554.3701823

Bastani, H., O. Bastani, A. Sungu, H. Ge, Ö. Kabakcı, and R. Mariman. 2025. “Generative AI Without Guardrails Can Harm Learning: Evidence from High School Mathematics.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 122(26): e2422633122. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2422633122

Bickley, S.J., H.F. Chan, and B. Torgler. 2022. “Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Economics.” Scientometrics 127(4):2055–2084. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-022-04294-w

Buchanan, J., S. Hill, and O. Shapoval. 2024. “ChatGPT Hallucinates Non-existent Citations: Evidence from Economics.” American Economist 69(1):80–87. https://doi.org/10.1177/05694345231218454

Dalhousie University Centre for Learning and Teaching. 2025, April 16. “Gen A.I. in Teaching and Learning.” Retrieved from https://www.dal.ca/dept/clt/e-learning/AI_Resource.html

Chen, B., C.M. Lewis, M. West, and C. Zilles. 2024. “Plagiarism in the Age of Generative AI: Cheating Method Change and Learning Loss in an Intro to CS Course.” L@S ’24: Proceedings of the Eleventh ACM Conference on Learning @ Scale:75–85. https://doi.org/10.1145/3657604.3662046

Chicago Manual of Style. n.d. “Citation, Documentation of Sources.” Style Q&A. Retrieved from https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/qanda/data/faq/topics/Documentation/faq0422.html

Cotton, D.R., P.A. Cotton, and J.R. Shipway. 2024. “Chatting and Cheating: Ensuring Academic Integrity in the Era of ChatGPT.” Innovations in Education and Teaching International 61(2):228–239. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2023. 2190148

Cowen, T., and A.T. Tabarrok. 2023. “How to Learn and Teach Economics with Large Language Models, Including GPT.” GMU Working Paper in Economics No. 23-18. George Mason University. http://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4391863 

Cribben, I., and Y. Zeinali. 2023. “The Benefits and Limitations of ChatGPT in Business Education and Research: A Focus on Management Science, Operations Management and Data Analytics.” http://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4404276

De Fine Licht, K. 2024. “Generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Why the ‘Banning Approach’ to Student Use Is Sometimes Morally Justified.” Philosophy & Technology 37(3):113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13347-024-00799-9

Denial, C. J. 2024. “Wrestling with AI.” In B. Buyserie and T. N. Thurston, eds. Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions. Utah State University: 193–199. https://doi.org/10.26079/e204-acc5

Denkin, R. 2024. “On Perception of Prevalence of Cheating and Usage of Generative AI.” arXiv preprint 2405.18889. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2405.18889

Eaton, L. 2023. “Syllabi Polices for Generative AI Repository” [Google Sheets]. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lM6g4yveQMyWeUbEwBM6FZVxEWCLfvWDh1aWUErWWbQ/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Federiakin, D., D. Molerov, O. Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia, and A. Maur. 2024. “Prompt Engineering as a New 21st Century Skill.” Frontiers in Education 9:1366434. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1366434

Firth, D.R., M. Derendinger, and J. Triche. 2024. “Cheating Better with ChatGPT: A Framework for Teaching Students When to Use ChatGPT and Other Generative AI Bots.” Information Systems Education Journal 22(3):47–60. https://doi.org/10.62273/BZSU7160

Geerling, W., G. D. Mateer, J. Wooten, and N. Damodaran. 2023. “ChatGPT Has Aced the Test of Understanding in College Economics: Now What?” American Economist 68(2):233–245. https://doi.org/10.1177/05694345231169654

Heard, C. n.d. “Generative AI Syllabus Statement Tool (Seaver College).” Pepperdine University. Retrieved from https://courses.pepperdine.edu/access/content/user/cheard/Twine/Generative_AI_Syllabus_Statement.html

Heaven, W.D. 2023. “ChatGPT Is Everywhere. Here’s Where It Came From.” MIT Technology Review: 10.

Hultberg, P.T., D.S. Calonge, F. Kamalov, and L. Smail. 2024. “Comparing and Assessing Four AI Chatbots’ Competence in Economics.” PLoS One 19(5):1–20. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297804

Ibrahim, H., F. Liu, R. Asim, B. Battu, S. Benabderrahmane, B. Alhafni, W. Adnan, T. Alhanai, B. AlShebli, R. Baghdadi, J.J. Bélanger, E. Beretta, K. Celik, M. Chaqfeh, M.F. Daqaq, Z. El Bernoussi, D. Fougnie, B. Garcia de Soto, A. Gandolfi, A. Gyorgy, Nizar Habash, J.A. Harris, A. Kaufman, L. Kirousis, K. Kocak, K. Lee, S.S. Lee, S. Malik, M. Maniatakos, D. Melcher, A. Mourad, M. Park, M. Rasras, A. Reuben, D. Zantout, N.W. Gleason, K. Makovi, T. Rahwan, and Y. Zaki. 2023. “Perception, Performance, and Detectability of Conversational Artificial Intelligence Across 32 University Courses.” Scientific Reports 13(1):12187. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38964-3

Korinek, A. 2023. “Generative AI for Economic Research: Use Cases and Implications for Economists.” Journal of Economic Literature 61(4):1281–1317. https://doi.org/10.1257/jel.20231736

Laker, L.F., and M. Sena. 2023. “Accuracy and Detection of Student Use of ChatGPT in Business Analytics Courses.” Issues in Information Systems 24(2):153–163. https://doi.org/10.48009/2_iis_2023_113

Li, Z. 2024. “Generative AI in Higher Education Academic Assignments: Policy Implications from a Systematic Review of Student and Teacher Perceptions.” PhD dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Li, Z., A. Dhruv, and V. Jain. 2024. “Ethical Considerations in the Use of AI for Higher Education: A Comprehensive Guide.” 2024 IEEE 18th International Conference on Semantic Computing (ICSC): 218–223. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICSC59802. 2024.00041

McAdoo, T. 2024. “How to Cite ChatGPT.” APA Style Blog. Retrieved from https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/how-to-cite-chatgpt

McDonald, N., A. Johri, A. Ali, and A. Hingle. 2025. “Generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Evidence from an Analysis of Institutional Policies and Guidelines.” Computers in Human Behavior: Artificial Humans 3:100121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbah.2025.100121

Mhlanga, D. 2023. “OpenAI in Education, the Responsible and Ethical Use of ChatGPT Towards Lifelong Learning.” In FinTech and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development: The Role of Smart Technologies in Achieving Development Goals. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 387–409. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37776-1_17

Modern Language Association. n.d. “How Do I Cite Generative AI in MLA Style?” MLA Style Center. Retrieved from https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/

Mollick, E.R., and L. Mollick. 2023. “Using AI to Implement Effective Teaching Strategies in Classrooms: Five Strategies, Including Prompts.” Wharton School Research Paper. http://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4391243

Murray, D., and K. Williams. 2023. “Exploring Business Students’ Views of the Use of Generative AI in Assignment Writing: An Examination of Generative AI Use Through Students’ Own Ethical Perspectives.” ASCILITE 2023 Conference Proceedings: People, Partnerships and Pedagogies:167–174. https://doi.org/10.14742/apubs.2023.662

Nikolic, S., C. Sandison, R, Haque, S. Daniel, S. Grundy, M. Belkina, S Lyden, G.M. Hassan, and P. Neal. 2024. “ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, SciSpace and Wolfram Versus Higher Education Assessments: An Updated Multi-institutional Study of the Academic Integrity Impacts of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) on Assessment, Teaching and Learning in Engineering.” Australasian Journal of Engineering Education 29(2):126–153. https://doi.org/10.1080/22054952. 2024.2372154

Oravec, J. A. 2023. “Artificial Intelligence Implications for Academic Cheating: Expanding the Dimensions of Responsible Human-AI Collaboration with ChatGPT.” Journal of Interactive Learning Research 34(2):213–237. https://doi.org/10.70725/304731gmmvhw

Perkins, M., L. Furze, J. Roe, and J. MacVaugh. 2024. “The Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS): A Framework for Ethical Integration of Generative AI in Educational Assessment.” Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice 21(6):49–66. https://doi.org/10.53761/q3azde36

Plakias, Z. 2025. “Engaging Students in Open Dialogue About Use of AI Tools in Economics Courses.” Applied Economics Teaching Resources 7(3):1–5. https://doi.org/10.71162/aetr.735830

Raiaan, M.A.K., M.S.H. Mukta, K. Fatema, N.M. Fahad, S. Sakib, and M.M.J. Mim. 2024. “A Review on Large Language Models: Architectures, Applications, Taxonomies, Open Issues and Challenges.” IEEE Access 12:26839–26874. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3365742

Roshanaei, M., H. Olivares, and R.R. Lopez. 2023. “Harnessing AI to Foster Equity in Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Emerging Strategies.” Journal of Intelligent Learning Systems and Applications 15:123–143. https://doi.org/10.4236/ jilsa.2023.154009

Rudolph, J., S. Tan, and S. Tan. 2023. “ChatGPT: Bullshit Spewer or the End of Traditional Assessments in Higher Education?” Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching 6(1):342–363. https://doi.org/10.37074/jalt.2023.6.1.9

Sadasivan, V. S., A. Kumar, S. Balasubramanian, W. Wang, and S. Feizi. 2023. “Can AI-Generated Text Be Reliably Detected?” arXiv preprint 2303.11156. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2303.11156

Shear, H.E., L.L. Britton, K.A. Schaefer, B. Thapa, and J. Bergtold. 2023. “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Learning and Assessment in Agricultural and Applied Economics.” Journal of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association 2(4):838–850. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaa2.98

Simmons, A.B., and S.G. Chappell. 1988. “Artificial Intelligence-Definition and Practice.” IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering 13(2):14–42. https://doi.org/10.1109/48.551

Southworth, J., K. Migliaccio, J. Glover, D. Reed, C. McCarty, J. Brendemuhl, and A. Thomas. 2023. “Developing a Model for AI Across the Curriculum: Transforming the Higher Education Landscape via Innovation in AI Literacy.” Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence 4:100127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100127

Steponenaite, A., and B. Barakat. 2023. “Plagiarism in AI Empowered World.” HCII 2023: Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction. Lecture Notes in Computer Science 14021:434–442. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35897-5_31

Terwiesch, C. 2023. “Would Chat GPT3 Get a Wharton MBA? A Prediction Based on Its Performance in the Operations Management Course.” Mack Institute for Innovation Management at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved from https://mackinstitute.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Christian-Terwiesch-Chat-GTP.pdf

Turing, A. 1950. “Computing Machinery and Intelligence.” Mind 59(236):433–460.

Vázquez, A.F.D.C., and E.C. Garrido-Merchán. 2024. “A Taxonomy of the Biases of the Images Created by Generative Artificial Intelligence.” arXiv preprint 2407.01556. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2407.01556

Von Eschenbach, W. J. 2021. “Transparency and the Black Box Problem: Why We Do Not Trust AI.” Philosophy & Technology 34(4):1607–1622. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13347-021-00477-0

Wang, H., A. Dang, Z. Wu, and S. Mac. 2024. “Generative AI in Higher Education: Seeing ChatGPT Through Universities’ Policies, Resources, and Guidelines.” Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence 7:100326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai. 2024.100326

Wang, P. 2019. “On Defining Artificial Intelligence.” Journal of Artificial General Intelligence 10(2):1–37. https://doi.org/10.2478/jagi-2019-0002

Weber-Wulff, D., A. Anohina-Naumeca, S. Bjelobaba, T. Foltýnek J. Guerrero-Dib, O. Popoola, P. Šigut, and L. Waddington. 2023. “Testing of Detection Tools for AI-Generated Text.” International Journal for Educational Integrity 19(1)”26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40979-023-00146-z

Wilkes, L. 2024. “Some Ethical Considerations for Teaching and Generative AI in Higher Education.” In B. Buyserie and T. N. Thurston, eds. Teaching and Generative AI: Pedagogical Possibilities and Productive Tensions. Utah State University, pp. 35–50. https://doi.org/10.26079/e204-acc5

Williams, R.T. 2024. “The Ethical Implications of Using Generative Chatbots in Higher Education.” Frontiers in Education 8: 1331607. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1331607

Yusuf, A., N. Pervin, and M. Román-González. 2024. “Generative AI and the Future of Higher Education: A Threat to Academic Integrity or Reformation? Evidence from Multicultural Perspectives.” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education 21:21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-024-00453-6

Zhang, S., X. Zhao, T. Zhou, and J. H. Kim. 2024. “Do You Have AI Dependency? The Roles of Academic Self-Efficacy, Academic Stress, and Performance Expectations on Problematic AI Usage Behavior.” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education 21:34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-024-00467-0