Introduction
The University of Cyprus has created official AI Guidelines to help all members of our academic community — course instructors, students, and researchers — use AI tools responsibly, ethically, and in line with academic integrity and EU standards.
This curated version of the UCY AI Guidelines presents the official policy in a more practical way, with clear targets and real-world examples to help you understand what responsible AI use looks like in daily teaching, learning, and research.
To support the implementation of the UCY AI Guidelines in teaching and learning, course instructors are invited to include the following statement in their course syllabi and/or in the instructions provided to students for assessments.
Statement for course syllabi and/or student assignments
By decision of the Senate of the University of Cyprus (Meeting No. 14/2025/SENATE, dated 11/06/2025), Guidelines have been adopted for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence tools in the context of teaching and research.
Students are required to comply with the University of Cyprus AI Guidelines and the principles of academic integrity.
Improper use of AI tools may result in disciplinary and other consequences.
A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND HOW TO APPLY THEM
📌 Core Takeaways
- AI is a Tool, Not a Substitute
Use AI to support learning, teaching, or research — never to replace your critical thinking or genuine contribution.
- Always Verify and Cross-Check
AI output may be inaccurate, outdated, or biased — you are responsible for confirming its reliability before you use it.
- Follow Rules and Ethical Standards
Comply with UCY policies, GDPR, the EU AI Act, and good scientific practice — protect privacy, intellectual property, and ensure the fair and unbiased use of AI.
- Be Transparent and Accountable
Disclose AI use when required, keep clear records, and be prepared to explain how you used AI responsibly.
B. GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS
The three sections below offer practical tips and examples to help you use AI responsibly, transparently, and in line with academic integrity and University policy.
Course Instructor Guidelines
📌 Course Instructor Takeaways
- Set Clear Rules and Boundaries
Define exactly when and how students can (or cannot) use AI — clarity protects integrity. - AI as Support, Not Substitute
Use AI to draft ideas, examples, or visuals — but always add your expertise. - Demonstrate Brainstorming and Verification with AI
Show students how to use AI for ideas, then check and adapt results critically. - Prioritize Clarity Before Creativity
Use AI tools when they genuinely support pedagogy — align them with learning outcomes and explain your rationale.
Student Guidelines
📌 Student Takeaways
- Check the Rules Every Time
Every course and assignment may have different AI guidelines — ask your instructor if you’re unsure.
- Support, Not Substitute
Use AI to help you brainstorm or clarify ideas — but your thinking, structure, and final work must be your own.
- Verify and Rewrite
Always fact-check AI output, rewrite in your own words, and combine it with real sources.
- Be Transparent & Cite When Needed
If AI contributed significantly, disclose it clearly or cite it properly — failing to do so may be treated as plagiarism.
Researcher Guidelines
📌 Researcher Takeaways
- Use AI Critically and Ethically
Follow all institutional, EU, and publisher rules. Think critically about bias and verify AI outputs before including them in your work.
- Keep Your Research Original
AI can support your work but must never replace your genuine contribution — maintain authorship and integrity at all times.
- Be Transparent and Specific
Clearly document how you used AI, which tools, and for what purpose — vague statements like ‘AI was used’ aren’t enough.
- Protect Data and Confidentiality
Never upload sensitive or unpublished research to unsecured AI tools — always safeguard participants’ and collaborators’ information.
Last Updated on 3 September, 2025
