Key points:
Gen AI isn’t going away, so learn to use it wisely and within the bounds of Curtin’s Gen AI guidelines.
• Get permission before using Gen AI in your assessments
• Declare any use of Gen AI
• Use Curtin’s version of Grammarly for safe editing support
• Double-check AI-generated content for accuracy
• Never submit AI-written text as your own
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Google Gemini are everywhere. From writing help to meal plans, they’re reshaping how we learn and live. At Curtin, students are allowed to use Gen AI tools, but not without boundaries.
Here’s how to navigate Gen AI tools at Curtin while keeping your academic integrity intact.
Rule 1: You need permission
Let’s start with the big one: if you want to use Gen AI to help with an assignment, you must get permission from your Unit Coordinator.
That means before using AI to brainstorm ideas, generate outlines, get feedback on your writing or help with sentence structure or clarity, you need to check your unit’s specific rules or contact your tutor directly. Some units allow limited use of Gen AI, while others don’t allow it at all.
Rule 2: If you use it, declare it
If you get permission to use Gen AI, you also need to be transparent about how you used it. Curtin has provided a clear format for this: a declaration you include in your assignment submission that outlines what tools you used and how. You can find a declaration template and example on the Library website.
If you use AI and don’t declare it? That could be seen as misconduct, even if you didn’t mean to cheat.
Rule 3: Check your outputs for accuracy
Gen AI tools are impressive, but they’re not perfect. They can ‘hallucinate’ false facts, give outdated advice or suggest biased responses. Always check anything it tells you against real sources, and don’t assume it’s right just because it sounds confident.
You are responsible for all information submitted for assessments, so if the information from the Gen AI tool was incorrect and still used, this may affect your marks.
What tools are available?
All students have free access to Curtin’s version of Grammarly through Blackboard. This version has the generative AI features disabled, meaning it checks grammar and clarity but won’t rewrite your text or suggest full sentences. That makes it safe to use across all units. Microsoft Copilot, Adobe Express Premium and Microsoft Teams are other tools you can use at Curtin using your student log-in details. For more information, visit our website.
Tools you should be cautious of
While popular AI platforms like ChatGPT can be useful, don’t assume they’re always allowed. If you use them to generate parts of your assignment without permission or proper referencing, it’s likely to trigger Turnitin and raise red flags.
When in doubt, ask
Every unit at Curtin has different expectations. If you’re unsure whether GenAI use is okay in a particular assignment, don’t guess. Instead, ask your tutor or Unit Coordinator directly.
Using Gen AI responsibly at Curtin is about being honest, informed and clear about your process. To learn more about using Gen AI at Curtin, familiarise yourself with the information available on our website.
