Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) at the University of Reading

GenAI for Teaching & Learning

Responding to the rapid uptake and widespread prevalence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools circa November 2022, the University established a GenAI Working Group in August 2023 to consider its approach to the use of GenAI in teaching and learning. Co-Chairs of the Working Group are currently Professor Alan Howard and Dr Sian Lindsay; Richard Sandford is Secretary to the group.

Note: this page is subject to change and updates - please revisit this page when seeking advice and do not make local copies which may become out of date.

GenAI Working Group Outputs: Policy and Guidance

The University's Position Statement on Generative Artificial Intelligence approved by the University Board for Teaching, Learning and the Student Experience (UBTLSE).
Please refer to the Information Management and Policy Services (IMPS) page regarding Data Protection and AI, which sets out the restrictions on use of AI at the University.
The 3 categories of GenAI use in assessments is described in Section 5.9 of the Assessment Handbook.
- A Category 1 assessment means that GenAI use is not permitted; a Category 2 assessment means that GenAI use is permitted to support student learning and development; a Category 3 assessment actively encourages students to use GenAI.
Amendments to Section 9 of the Assessment Handbook (Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct) make it clear that the misuse of GenAI tools will normally be considered an act of plagiarism.
Annex 1 to Section 9 entitled Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools, Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct sets expectations for Schools and students. The Annex also gives an indication of what might be considered misuse of GenAI tools.
Creation of a suite of GenAI guidance materials for staff which are regularly updated and therefore version-controlled as they 1) attempt to keep up to date with rapid developments in GenAI technology and 2) align with any developments, updates or amendments to any University policy regarding the use of GenAI tools to support staff and students.
Colleagues in Study Advice have produced a LibGuide on Generative Artificial Intelligence and University Study aimed at students.

GenAI Community of Practice

The GenAI Community of Practice (CoP) is a multi-disciplinary forum for members of the University who are using GenAI for a variety of purposes – notably in teaching, learning and assessment. Reflecting the University of Reading’s supportive position statement regarding the adoption of GenAI, the aim of the GenAI CoP is to facilitate a positive approach to the incorporation of GenAI in students' educational journey without diminishing academic standards. The central objectives of the GenAI CoP are to:

Facilitate networking by capturing and sharing of good practice between colleagues.
Improve the visibility of GenAI use across the University.
Discuss, engage with, establish and inform the development of models of good practice with respect to GenAI technologies.

The GenAI CoP is a discrete community whose outputs, advice and suggestions will be fed into the work of and considered by the GenAI Working Group, and also by CQSD, as part of the University’s strategy for Teaching and Learning (T&L).

Currently the GenAI CoP is chaired by Dr David Marshall; Dr Sian Lindsay is the Secretary. The GenAI CoP aims to meet 3-4 times per year. If you actively use GenAI tools in your teaching and learning practice (particularly if you are applying the University’s GenAI guidance to your practice) and you would like to join the GenAI CoP, please do get in touch with either David or Sian by email d.j.marshall@reading.ac.uk or s.lindsay@reading.ac.uk