Ai and Integrity in the College Experience: Guidance for Students
The following is adapted from a session taught by Professor Benjamin Reese, Librarian at The Institute for GOD.
Artificial intelligence is one of the most discussed—and sometimes feared—topics in higher education today. For Gen Z students, tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, or even TikTok’s AI filters may feel like a natural extension of everyday life. For their parents, who likely finished college before these tools existed, it can feel like uncharted territory.
At The Institute for GOD, we believe that AI is not something to ignore or fear, but something to approach with wisdom, discernment, and integrity. As Professor Reese explains, Christian students need to know not only what these tools can do, but also what they should do in order to remain faithful to God and honest in their academic work.
Haste vs. Wisdom: A Biblical Foundation
The book of Proverbs reminds us that wisdom takes time and that shortcuts rarely lead to lasting growth. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5, ESV). Other passages echo the same theme: “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way” (Proverbs 19:2, ESV) and “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 28:20, ESV).
AI promises quick answers. But when students lean on it too heavily, they risk cutting corners, bypassing skill development, and missing the deeper learning that academic work is meant to produce. Wisdom calls us to slow down, to do our work diligently, and to see assignments not just as hurdles to clear but as opportunities for growth.
Defining Academic Integrity
Professor Reese frames academic integrity simply: the work you submit should be your own work, and it should accurately reflect your skills, understanding, and effort.
When students submit work that doesn’t truly represent their abilities, several problems arise:
They don’t receive accurate feedback, leaving gaps in their learning.
They may be advanced into positions of leadership or responsibility without the preparation those roles require. As Paul wrote, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment”(Romans 12:3, NIV).
AI, then, is not inherently dishonest—but its use must be carefully bounded by integrity. Below are seven rules of thumb Professor Reese offers to guide students in this digital age.
#1 Rule of Thumb: Treat AI Like a Tutor or Librarian
Think of AI as a reference librarian or teaching assistant. They can point you toward sources, offer feedback, and help you refine grammar. But they cannot do the work for you.
You wouldn’t ask a librarian to write your thesis statement, or a TA to finish your conclusion paragraph. By the same measure, it’s inappropriate to ask AI to generate full outlines, rewrite your essays, or “finish” a half-written paper. If you would be embarrassed to ask a real teacher to do it, you shouldn’t ask AI either.
#2 Rule of Thumb: Don’t Paste AI Output Directly into Your Work
As a matter of integrity, students should never copy and paste AI-generated text into an assignment. Writing in what scholars call a “cleanroom environment” means that every word you type is either your own or clearly attributed to a source.
AI can help brainstorm or summarize, but pasting its exact words crosses into plagiarism. As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Our writing should reflect our effort, not someone—or something—else’s.
#3 Rule of Thumb: Protect Integrity Through Versioned Writing
One simple safeguard is to use tools like Google Docs, which save multiple versions of a document as you write. This provides a transparent record of your process. If your instructor ever had questions about how you arrived at a final draft, version history can demonstrate that the work evolved over time through your own labor.
#4 Rule of Thumb: Don’t Judge Others
It can be tempting to compare your standards to what you see professionals doing. Some industries are openly using AI to draft memos, code, or even marketing materials. But what may be acceptable in the workplace is not automatically acceptable in the classroom.
As a student, your responsibility is different: you are here to learn, not to outsource. Focus on your own integrity rather than judging how others use the technology.
#5 Rule of Thumb: Don’t Offload Your Creativity
AI is efficient, but creativity is one of the ways we reflect the image of God. To surrender your creative work to a machine is to miss part of the formation that academic study offers. Students must resist the temptation to let AI handle the hard parts of thinking, structuring, or articulating ideas.
James 1:5 encourages us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Lean on prayer, study, and dialogue with professors—not just on digital tools.
#6 Rule of Thumb: Live in the Light
Professor Reese puts it simply: don’t do anything you wouldn’t be comfortable explaining. If you’d feel uneasy admitting that AI contributed to your work, that’s a signal that you may be stepping outside ethical boundaries. Walking in the light means working transparently and avoiding hidden shortcuts.
#7 Rule of Thumb: When in Doubt, Ask
Every situation is unique. When unsure, students should ask their professor, advisor, or librarian before using AI. Asking for clarity demonstrates humility and a desire to act with integrity.
A Practical Scenario: Writing a Paper
So what does ethical AI use look like in practice?
When writing a paper, AI may be helpful in the brainstorming stage—suggesting possible research angles or keywords for searching in databases. It may also help you check grammar or rephrase a sentence for clarity. But AI should not be used to draft your thesis, structure your argument, or compose full sections of your paper. Those tasks are where you learn critical thinking and communication—skills no machine can truly teach you.
Conclusion: Choosing Wisdom Over Haste
Students today face pressures previous generations never imagined. With deadlines looming and AI promising instant help, the temptation to cut corners is real. Yet the call of Scripture is clear: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5, ESV).
For both students and their parents, the message is this: AI may be a useful tool, but it must always be used within the boundaries of academic integrity and Christian wisdom.
Key Takeaways
AI is a tool, not a substitute for learning.
Academic integrity means submitting work that reflects your true ability.
Use AI like a tutor: it can guide, but not produce your work.
Never paste AI output directly into assignments.
Protect your process with version history.
Stay creative—don’t offload your unique contributions.
Be transparent and willing to ask for guidance.
Footnotes
Pew Research Center. “How Americans View Artificial Intelligence in Their Daily Lives.” 2023. Link
The Chronicle of Higher Education. “Colleges Are Rewriting the Rules on Student Use of ChatGPT.” 2023.
Plagiarism Today. “Writing in a Cleanroom Environment.” 2023.