After dropping my son off at school for his first day, it was now my turn for mine. As I logged into the e-learning platform, I found two non-credit but required courses on my dashboard: one self-paced course focused on academic integrity, and the second, a hybrid session where we’ll get to know our cohort a bit more.
Because I’ve been immersed, at least partially, in academia through my work, “academic integrity” is not a new concept. The course provided a solid introduction to the institution’s specific policies and expectations, as well as a helpful refresher on reference style. I still have my handy-dandy 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, and I’d recommend all students secure a copy of the publication manual their program uses.
What’s new is the prevalence of AI – and it’s a fairly safe assumption that students will use AI, at least in part, for preliminary research, assignment composition, and/or editing and review. Institutions that permit the use of AI typically ask students to include a disclosure statement addressing, at minimum, which system was used (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT) and the purpose or context in which it was used (e.g., to define terminology, aid research, check spelling/grammar, review reference citations). AI can even help you craft a strong disclosure statement (see my example at the end of this post); however, it’s generally best to get clarity from the instructor on the specific parameters around AI use – i.e., what’s permitted and what’s not.
As for the program orientation course, I was pleasantly surprised to see the diversity in the room. There was a rich blend of experiences shared by students, faculty, and staff. We’ll have time to connect more deeply in upcoming sessions, which I’m really looking forward to. This kind of orientation is an important element of virtual-based programs, and it looks like there will be many opportunities to connect and collaborate beyond just the formal courses.
I also appreciated hearing more about the program’s evolution from one of its creators. It was affirming, as it aligned with my own conceptions of interdisciplinary practice, while also setting the stage for future coursework on theories of interdisciplinary studies.
My tip is to try to take something deeper from these non-credit courses—it’s easy to treat them as just items to check off a task list, but they serve a purpose if you put in the effort.
This response was reviewed and refined using Microsoft Copilot to assist with grammar, spelling, and clarity. The AI was used solely for editing purposes and did not alter the original ideas or voice of the author.
~ “So here I am in my new apartment / In a big city, they just dropped me off.” T. Swift, Never Grow Up
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