AI in teaching and learning: what you need for the new academic year

Questions raised through recent M365 Copilot learning and wider engagement with colleagues have highlighted where practical support is most needed. These include applying the policy to individual assessments, communicating expectations clearly to students, using AI responsibly and understanding where different guidance applies. 

What you need to do 

Ahead of the new academic year: 

• Review your assessments against the four-category framework.  

• Make expectations clear to students, including how AI can and cannot be used in their assessment.  

• Use the available support if you need help applying the policy within your teaching or programme.  

Practical support available now 

The AI Teaching and Learning NeedsHub brings together practical resources to help colleagues apply the policy and answer common questions, including “How do I apply the AI policy?” and “What should I communicate to students?” 

If you are working through a particular assessment, the Apply AI policy to an assessment tool can help you consider how the policy applies in that context. It also provides concrete examples of what you could communicate to students, helping you move from the four-category framework to a practical decision for your own assessment. 

The University policy provides the common framework, while Schools, Faculties and programmes may provide additional guidance for their own context. These central resources are intended to support, rather than replace, relevant local guidance. 

Resources will continue to be reviewed and added through September and October as colleagues begin applying the policy and further needs emerge. We’ll continue to use the questions and experiences raised by colleagues to inform what practical support is developed next. 

For wider information on using AI safely and responsibly at the University, visit the AI guidance and policies. 

Research-related questions about AI are being considered separately through the AI Research Thematic Group, recognising that teaching, assessment and research needs overlap in some areas but are not the same. 

For more guidance and support, visit the M365 Copilot for Teaching page on SharePoint, where you can find self-serve learning, the AI in Teaching and Learning Policy, security and data privacy guidance, and other practical resources.