How to Disclose AI Use in Your Assignments

Many students now use AI tools for brainstorming, explanations, feedback or drafting. Rules about what is allowed vary widely, from complete bans to open permission, and many courses sit in between with conditions. Where use is allowed, instructors often want to know how you used it. That is what a disclosure statement does.

This guide explains when to disclose, what to include and how to word it. It also covers how disclosure differs from citation and what to do when the rules are unclear. Your instructor's instructions always come first.

Why disclosure matters

• Honesty. Your instructor is grading your learning. Knowing what you did yourself and what a tool did helps them assess your work fairly.
• Academic integrity. Using AI where it is not permitted, or passing off generated text as your own, can be treated as misconduct. See our overview of academic integrity and misconduct.
• Protection. A clear, truthful record shows that you acted in good faith if questions arise.
• Good practice. In many workplaces and journals, disclosure of AI assistance is becoming standard.

Step 1: Read the policy

Start with:

• The syllabus and assignment instructions.
• The institution's academic integrity policy.
• Any department or course guidance on AI.

Policies often fall into a few types:

• Not allowed at all for graded work.
• Allowed for limited purposes, such as brainstorming or checking grammar, with disclosure.
• Allowed with conditions, such as using a specific tool or including your prompts.
• Encouraged, with reflection on how it helped.

If different instructors set different rules, follow the one for each course. Our guide to university AI policies explained describes common approaches.

Step 2: Decide what counts as use

Be clear about what you did. Common uses include:

• Brainstorming topics or questions.
• Explaining a concept or summarizing a reading.
• Outlining or organizing ideas.
• Generating text that you edited.
• Editing for grammar, clarity or tone.
• Translating or checking language.
• Generating code, images or data.
• Giving feedback on a draft.

The more the tool shaped the content you submit, the more detail the disclosure should have. Substantial text generated by a tool is a different matter from a spelling suggestion.

Step 3: Write a clear statement

A good disclosure is short, specific and truthful. Include:

1. The tool and version or date, if known.
2. What you used it for.
3. How you used the output, such as edited, rejected or verified.
4. What remained your own work.

Example for brainstorming:

"I used ChatGPT (October 2026) to generate a list of possible topics for this paper. I chose one topic and developed the research question, outline, argument and text on my own."

Example for editing:

"I used an AI writing assistant to suggest edits to grammar and sentence clarity in my final draft. I reviewed each suggestion and accepted only those that kept my meaning. The ideas, analysis and structure are my own."

Example for explanation:

"I used an AI chatbot to explain the concept of standard error while preparing for this assignment. I checked its explanation against the textbook and wrote the analysis myself."

Example for code:

"I used an AI coding assistant to suggest a function for sorting data. I tested and modified the code and wrote the remaining program myself. The suggested function is marked in a comment on line 42."

Avoid vague phrases such as "AI helped me." Be specific enough that a reader understands your process.

Step 4: Place it where required

Follow your instructor's instructions about where to put it. Common locations:

• A short note at the end of the assignment.
• A cover page or acknowledgments section.
• A footnote.
• An appendix with prompts and outputs.
• A form submitted with the assignment.

If no location is specified, a brief note at the end is a reasonable choice, and you can ask your instructor to confirm.

Disclosure vs citation

They serve different purposes.

If you include text, images or ideas generated by a tool in your work, you may need to cite it as well, following your style guide. Citing AI tools explains formats for APA, MLA and Chicago, which are updated periodically.

Step 5: Keep records

Save evidence of your process:

• Prompts and responses, by saving chats or taking screenshots.
• Drafts with timestamps.
• Notes showing your own thinking.
• Sources you checked.

If your instructor asks about your work, this material shows what you did. Version history in a document editor is also useful.

When the policy is unclear

If you cannot tell what is allowed:

1. Ask the instructor before submitting. An email is enough: "I would like to use an AI tool to check grammar on my draft. Is that acceptable, and how should I note it?"
2. Keep the reply in case questions come up later.
3. If you cannot get an answer, choose the cautious option. Avoid generated text, and disclose any use.

Assuming that something is fine because "everyone does it" is risky. Policies are set by instructors and institutions, not by what peers do.

When AI is not allowed

If a course bans AI for an assignment, do not use it for that work. That includes using it to write, rewrite or generate ideas, unless the instructor says otherwise. Uncertain cases include grammar checkers, translation tools and built-in suggestions in word processors. Ask rather than guess.

If you did use AI by mistake, consider contacting your instructor before submission or as soon as you realize. Honesty at that stage is usually treated more favorably than discovery later, though outcomes depend on the policy.

Disclosure in other settings

• Exams and graded quizzes: Assume AI is not allowed unless told otherwise.
• Group projects: Agree as a team on rules and disclose collectively.
• Theses and dissertations: Check graduate school policies, which may be stricter and may require a statement in the front matter.
• Journal submissions and conferences: Many publishers have specific policies on AI use and authorship, and require disclosure.
• Job applications: Be honest if an employer asks.

Common mistakes

• Not reading the policy.
• Disclosing too vaguely.
• Treating disclosure as permission. It does not make a banned use acceptable.
• Not checking AI output for accuracy and fabricated sources.
• Failing to keep records.
• Mixing up disclosure and citation.

A short template to adapt

If your instructor asks for a statement and gives no format, you can adapt this template: "I used [tool, date] to [specific task]. I [reviewed, edited, verified] the output by [method]. The [ideas, analysis, writing] in this assignment are my own, except where cited. My prompts and the tool's responses are available on request."

Fill each bracket with real details. If you did not use any AI tool, you may be asked for a short statement saying so, and a simple sentence is enough.

Keep the statement factual and short. It is not an apology or a defense. It is a record of what you did, so that your instructor can assess your work with full information.

Final thoughts

Disclosure is a simple habit: say what you used, how you used it and what you did yourself. Follow the rules for each course, ask when unsure, keep records and be honest. As policies evolve, clear communication with your instructors will protect both your learning and your record. Responsible use of AI tools includes knowing when to leave them aside.