In almost any college class today, artificial intelligence is a part of the learning process, whether it is used in secrecy or openly discussed. Students rely on AI tools to better understand assignments, study, or research topics, while faculty members attempt to define when the tools are appropriate to use and when academic dishonesty appears.
Tyler Junior College, as well as many other colleges, have taken an important step in the right direction by addressing AI in student handbooks, but one policy cannot entirely cover the usefulness and demand of AI in different subjects and career paths. If colleges want to properly prepare students while also protecting academic integrity, they need to establish clear guidelines that allow students to be honest about how AI was used and for each course to decide the use of AI that reflects the specific field it is in.
The use of artificial intelligence among college students is significant and is growing swiftly. According to multiple 2024-2025 surveys by Campbell University’s academic technology department, 86% of students use AI for their school work. Similarly, a report from Forbes found that 90% of college students have used AI academically.
The majority of students use AI to support their work, highlighting the potential and how normal this technology is becoming. This makes it clear that prohibiting the use of AI is not a long-term solution and will not stop students from using it. Colleges must focus on guiding students on how AI can be used correctly.
Terrell Knight, a TJC professor in the Education department, explained that using AI as a tool can strengthen the learning experience. “If you’re using it as a tool, it can augment what you’re doing in the classroom, because you can do so many things with studying, finding other sources, maybe even brainstorming,” Knight said.
The biggest challenge with prohibiting the use of AI is that it affects each department and course differently. In career fields that are in business, communications and medicine, AI tools are already common. Students who plan to enter these fields will be expected to know how to use the tools correctly and ethically.
According to Programs.com, an online education platform that gathers surveys and data on student trends and career readiness, more than half of students say they do not have enough knowledge and training to use AI properly. Additionally, 48 percent of students believe they are not prepared to work in a workforce that uses AI. Without preparation, college graduates may start their careers at a disadvantage.
In contrast, there are concerns about academic integrity. Some may argue that allowing the use of AI gives students the chance to turn in work that is not their own. This shows a need for guidance and honesty rather than completely prohibiting it.
Knight noted the line between using AI appropriately and inappropriately is difficult to find, as AI is constantly changing. “It’s changing so quickly, making policies that reflect appropriate and ethical uses of AI because it can be a great tool, but at the same time, I don’t want it to create the work for the student,” Knight said.
Colleges should establish general expectations for the use of AI, honesty, and disclosure, while letting the courses and instructors decide how AI can be properly used. For example, a journalism class may allow the use of AI to easily transcribe interviews, while another class might restrict the use to only research and studying. According to a survey from Insider Higher Ed, students know when and how to correctly use AI when their professors explain appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI.
Professors giving clear expectations may be the most effective solution, as it allows students to know how and when to use AI. “I think it’s going to be looking at courses specifically and even assignments, and adjusting policies as needed for that,” Knight said.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming more and more prominent in education and in professional life. Instead of avoiding the inevitable, colleges should adapt and teach students how to correctly use the tools. TJC and other colleges’ current policies are a strong start, but establishing a simple guideline that allows each course to decide the use of AI, as well as promoting honesty among students, would better prepare graduates for their future.
