In Modena, the AI is cleared to write his thesis.

The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia has approved new guidelines allowing students to use artificial intelligence tools to draft their thesis papers, provided they obtain explicit permission from their professors and clearly declare how and for what purposes they used the technology. The decision marks a shift in academic policy regarding AI integration, with the university distributing over 30,000 licenses for two AI platforms, Gemini Edu and NotebookLM, to students, faculty, researchers, and staff. Under the newly adopted rules, AI can serve as a tool to help students grasp complex concepts, organize study materials, develop ideas, and conduct self-assessment. Its use during exams and intermediate assessments is permitted too, but always with prior approval from instructors. Professors are required to outline in course syllabi the specific ways and boundaries within which AI can be employed. The guidelines explicitly prohibit feeding unauthorized systems with personal data, confidential materials, unpublished research projects, or pending patents. An AI system cannot be listed as an author of a scientific paper or patent, nor can it replace human judgment in evaluating students or candidates applying for positions. Additionally, emotion recognition systems for students and staff are banned. Gemini Edu will assist users in exploring complex topics and enhancing analytical skills, while NotebookLM will aid in managing notes, sources, and materials, offering features such as generating summaries and conceptual maps. Starting in September, the university plans to launch AI literacy courses aimed at all members of the academic community. The adoption of these guidelines follows growing interest in integrating AI into educational processes. While some institutions have been cautious about the potential risks associated with AI use, others have embraced its benefits in fostering learning and research. At Unimore, the approach balances innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring that AI serves as a supportive rather than a replacement tool in academic work. Students and faculty were informed of the changes through official communications from the university administration. The distribution of AI platform licenses was carried out systematically, ensuring access for all relevant groups. The university emphasized that the use of AI must remain transparent and subject to oversight, reinforcing the role of educators in guiding students through this technological transition. The guidelines also address concerns related to intellectual property and privacy. Personal information, including student records and research outputs, must not be uploaded to unauthorized AI systems. This measure aims to prevent misuse of sensitive data and protect the integrity of academic work. Furthermore, the prohibition against using AI as an author underscores the importance of maintaining human responsibility in scholarly contributions. The introduction of AI literacy training reflects the university’s commitment to equipping its community with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving digital landscape responsibly. These courses will cover topics such as understanding AI capabilities, recognizing biases in algorithms, and adhering to ethical standards in AI usage. By promoting awareness and competence, the university seeks to ensure that AI becomes a valuable asset in education without compromising academic rigor or ethical principles. The university's move comes amid broader discussions about the role of AI in higher education globally. Institutions worldwide are grappling with questions about how best to incorporate AI technologies into teaching and research while safeguarding academic values. Unimore’s approach offers a model that emphasizes collaboration between students and faculty, clear boundaries for AI use, and ongoing education on responsible AI practices. As the implementation of these policies progresses, the impact on academic workflows and student outcomes will likely become clearer over time.