Check Stanford University AI Policy Online

Review Stanford’s generative AI policy guidance, default academic-integrity rule, disclosure expectations, and instructor-specific course policies.

Verified from official university sources

Quick Policy Overview

AI Allowed Restricted

Restricted by default; broader use may be allowed by instructor

Disclosure Yes

Yes for non-incidental permitted use

Instructor Overrides Yes

Instructors set the rules for their own courses.

Last Updated 2025–2026

Current guidance includes 2025–2026 updates; verify exact page date

Data Status Verified

Checked against official university sources.

1. Summary

Stanford treats generative AI as a form of outside assistance. Substantial AI completion of assignments is not permitted unless course guidance authorizes the relevant use, and students are expected to disclose non-incidental use.

Hybrid

Use scope: Restricted by default; broader use may be allowed by instructor.

Disclosure: Yes for non-incidental permitted use.

Instructor/course rules can override the general university guidance.

Integrity: Unauthorized or misleading AI use may be treated as an academic integrity issue under university rules.

Stanford has a meaningful default rule: when a course is silent, AI assistance is treated like help from another person, and using it to substantially complete an assignment is not permitted.

Check primary source.

2. Why Check This Policy

Stanford has a meaningful default rule: when a course is silent, AI assistance is treated like help from another person, and using it to substantially complete an assignment is not permitted. At the same time, instructors can design more permissive course policies, while programs such as Stanford Medicine publish additional requirements. Students therefore need to check both the university default and the exact syllabus.

3. When AI Is Commonly Allowed

The source data does not specify concrete allowed uses beyond course- or instructor-level permission.

Check primary source.

Only if your instructor allows it for the specific assignment.

4. When AI Is Commonly Restricted

Using AI to substantially complete an assignment without authorization.

Always check your course syllabus for specific restrictions.

5. Disclosure Requirements

Yes for non-incidental permitted use.

Disclosure is required when AI use is permitted. Follow the instructor or course policy for the exact form of acknowledgment.

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

Official AI policy communitystandards.stanford.edu — bca guidance recommendations

Academic integrity policy teachingcommons.stanford.edu — guidance technology tools academic integrity

Department & school policies ctl.stanford.edu — ai learning guide students teachingcommons.stanford.edu — creating your course policy ai med.stanford.edu — 3 32 generative artificial intelligence ai policy

7. FAQ

Can I use AI for assignments?

The source data does not define specific permitted uses at page level. Check primary source.

Do I need to disclose AI use?

Yes for non-incidental permitted use.

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?

Unauthorized or misleading AI use may be treated as an academic integrity issue under university rules. Check primary source.