Check Duke University AI Policy Online

Check Duke’s guidance on authorized generative AI, plagiarism, citation, course-specific policies, and program-level academic integrity rules.

Verified from official university sources

Quick Policy Overview

AI Allowed Depends

Depends on instructor authorization

Disclosure Depends

Depends; attribution expected for permitted contributions

Instructor Overrides Yes

Instructors set the rules for their own courses.

Last Updated August 25, 2025

Teaching guidance includes an August 25, 2025 update

Data Status Verified

Checked against official university sources.

1. Summary

Duke classifies unauthorized generative AI as a form of cheating under the Duke Community Standard. Instructors are expected to state whether AI is prohibited, allowed with attribution, or acceptable for selected tasks.

Hybrid Check primary source.

Use scope: Depends on instructor authorization.

Disclosure: Depends; attribution expected for permitted contributions.

Instructor/course rules can override the general university guidance.

Integrity: Duke classifies unauthorized generative AI as a form of cheating under the Duke Community Standard.

Duke’s policy needs to be checked at assignment level because its central standard focuses on unauthorized use rather than banning every AI tool.

Check primary source.

2. Why Check This Policy

Duke’s policy needs to be checked at assignment level because its central standard focuses on unauthorized use rather than banning every AI tool. A professor may prohibit generative AI to protect a learning objective, allow brainstorming, or require attribution for permitted assistance. Professional programs can add their own wording, so a general Duke page is only the starting point.

3. When AI Is Commonly Allowed

Brainstorming or idea generation when permitted.

Uses that are allowed with disclosure, attribution, or citation.

Only if your instructor allows it for the specific assignment.

4. When AI Is Commonly Restricted

Any use that an instructor, school, or program explicitly prohibits.

Always check your course syllabus for specific restrictions.

5. Disclosure Requirements

Depends; attribution expected for permitted contributions.

Instructors are expected to state whether AI is prohibited, allowed with attribution, or acceptable for selected tasks.

Where AI use is permitted, disclosure usually takes one of these forms:

  • A statement or acknowledgement in your submission
  • A citation of the AI tool, in the format your course requires
  • A short methods note describing how AI was used

Follow the exact format your instructor or department requires.

6. Sources & References

7. FAQ

Can I use AI for assignments?
Brainstorming or idea generation when permitted. Uses that are allowed with disclosure, attribution, or citation.
Do I need to disclose AI use?
Depends; attribution expected for permitted contributions.
Can an instructor set stricter rules?
Yes. Course-level or instructor-level rules can be stricter than general guidance.
What happens if I break the rules?
Duke classifies unauthorized generative AI as a form of cheating under the Duke Community Standard.