Balancing Innovation and Integrity: Strategies for Managing Student Use of Generative AI in Higher Education

The rise of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT presents new challenges and opportunities in higher education, requiring innovative strategies to uphold academic integrity. To address these challenges, institutions must develop comprehensive approaches that balance the benefits of AI-enhanced learning with the need to maintain authentic, critical engagement in student work [1]. Drawing on strategies employed by academics at two higher-level institutions in Ireland, this paper explores a range of approaches to mitigate and manage the inappropriate use of AI in academic settings [2]. Key strategies include fostering education and awareness about the ethical implications of AI misuse and establishing clear academic policies that explicitly define acceptable AI use. The design of assessments plays a pivotal role: authentic tasks, such as personal reflections or context-specific assignments, combined with dynamic assessments like oral or real-time exams to minimise reliance on generative AI [2]. Regular monitoring and feedback through iterative drafting processes further ensure that student contributions are original and evolve meaningfully over time. Finally, institutions can employ technological restrictions to limit access to AI tools during critical periods, such as exams or in controlled environments [3][4]. By sharing practical insights and lessons from these two institutions, this presentation provides valuable guidance for educators and administrators seeking to navigate the interplay between AI advancements and academic ethics.