AI-Generated Citation Guidance

Last updated on: September 11, 2025

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As a school ASU seeks to balance the positive potential of Generative AI such as ChatGPT and Bard while also thinking through concerns about ethics, academic integrity, and privacy. It is up to instructors discretion whether students can or cannot use AI in a course.

Generative AI in the Classroom

Generative Artificial Intelligence is a broad term for one type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that uses Machine Learning to create new content. If instructors allow, Generative AI may be used as a tool by students for creating their work. However, Generative AI can be used for academic dishonesty, particularly for passing off generated writing as a student's own. If instructors allow some use of AI it is important that students cite their use of AI. Check out the following links for information on the Provost stance on AI, academic integrity and AI, the strengths and weaknesses of using AI in research, and how to cite and link the results generated with AI.

AI FAQ (ASU) -Includes strategies for preventing the submission of completely AI generated work.
Use of generative AI in the research process,
Citing generative AI models
Linking to Generative AI results.
AI and Academic Integrity

Generative AI Generated Citations

One area where Generative AI fails is that it hallucinates (or generates) non-existent citations. The inclusion of nonexistent citations in work may be one indicator that a Generative AI was used to create the work. ASU is currently evaluating various methods of detecting the dishonest use of Generative AI; one current method is checking for made up citations. This can be done by searching in appropriate databases such as the ASU library website and google scholar.

You can also check whether citations are correctly formatted; check the ASU Library Style Guide for information on formatting. Currently this will have to be done citation by citation by a grader.

Academic Integrity Questions

For general questions about cheating or plagiarism, connect with Christy Adams, SOLS’ Academic Integrity representative.
For questions about potential academic integrity violations concerning Artificial Intelligence, connect with Paul LePore, The College's Academic Integrity Officer.
For questions on course design best practices in the age of Artificial Intelligence, connect with Kena Ray, The College's Assistant Director of Instructional Design and Learning Technology.

Resources

The Arizona State University Provost’s Office has created a specialized web site to provide the ASU community with resources that help address both the challenges and opportunities posed by generative AI inside and outside the classroom. Additional resources are currently in development by this office.