Understand Plagiarism and Give Credit to AI

When we use someone else's ideas or words without giving them credit, that is called plagiarism. Plagiarism is dishonest because it presents another person's work as your own. Today, AI tools like ChatGPT can write text — so we must also give credit when AI helps us with our work.

What Is Plagiarism?

• Plagiarism means copying someone else's writing, ideas, or work and claiming it is your own.
• It applies to books, websites, articles, and now AI-generated text.
• Plagiarism is considered cheating in learning and is dishonest in professional work.
• Even changing a few words without citing the source is still a form of plagiarism.

Original Work

• Original work is created by you using your own ideas and words.
• It is always the most honest and valued type of work.
• You may still do research and be inspired by others as long as you cite your sources.

AI-Assisted Work with Credit

• Using AI to help draft, edit, or generate ideas is acceptable if you are transparent about it.
• You must acknowledge which AI tool helped you and what it contributed.
• You should also add your own thinking, edits, and personal voice to AI-generated content.
• AI assistance with proper credit is honest; AI assistance without credit is plagiarism.

How to Cite an AI Tool

1. Name the AI tool (e.g. ChatGPT by OpenAI).
2. Briefly explain what the AI helped you do (e.g. "helped me draft an introduction").
3. Include the date you used it.
4. Add a note that you reviewed and edited the AI's output.