Petition Summary: Eastern Illinois University has laws and regulations that guide students on the use of AI in their coursework. However, we have nothing preventing professors from using AI as a substitute for learning materials. This is ultimately problematic as AI is unreliable as a source, and by using it gives the impression that our course material is not important, and takes away value from our education.

Goals of Petition: Our goal is to ensure that the final product of all EIU courses are created by a human professional. The final product, whether it is a curriculum, assignment, or grading/feedback, should not be generated by AI. Additionally, we would like to ask that if AI were to be utilized, that it would be regulated by EIU standards and NOT serve as a substitute for content material. Lastly, we call for courses SED 4335 and SED 4330 to be rewritten without AI generated materials or assignment feedback. 

Proposed Course of Action:

• ADDRESS ROOT CAUSES OF AI USE: Budget cuts and reduced funding. Higher work load on faculty without compensated pay. (How can the university (faculty, admin, and students) help fix these issues?)
• Update University Policy
• Prevent course materials from being completely generated by AI.
• NOT completely ban AI use; clarify it as just a tool.
• Require professors to disclose to students when and how they use AI in their classes.