K Altman Law pushes colleges to set clearer AI classroom rules

K Altman Law says colleges should spell out when students can use artificial intelligence, what they must disclose and how misconduct allegations will be reviewed. The guidance comes as universities try to prepare students for AI-heavy workplaces without blurring the line between allowed assistance and unauthorized work.

Why it matters: - Colleges are under pressure to prepare students for workplaces where AI use is routine. - Clear rules can reduce confusion over when AI is allowed for brainstorming, editing or tutoring. - Better procedures can lower the risk of unfair discipline when AI detectors or misconduct complaints are involved.

What happened: - K Altman Law urged colleges to define assignment-specific AI rules and to explain what students may do independently. - The recommendation was tied to a LinkedIn post from Scott Galloway about AI’s disruption of teaching. - The post referenced Galloway’s October 22 conversation with Wharton professor Ethan Mollick about AI, learning and the future of internships. - Keith Altman, founder and managing partner of K Altman Law, said students need to learn to use AI responsibly while doing their own work. - Altman said schools should explain the boundaries before an assignment is submitted and review evidence carefully before imposing a penalty.

The details: - Permission to use AI for brainstorming, editing or tutoring does not automatically allow AI-generated submissions. - Course-specific and assignment-specific rules control what is permitted. - University of Washington guidance recommends stating expectations in syllabi and assignments. - Columbia Law School’s current policy combines independent reasoning with career AI fluency and advance written notice of alternative course rules. - Turnitin says its AI-writing detector can misidentify text and should not, by itself, justify adverse action against a student. - K Altman Law recommends that schools specify permitted uses and disclosure requirements. - K Altman Law also recommends that schools review the underlying work and the applicable rules before making a misconduct finding. - Schools should give students a meaningful chance to explain their process before deciding an allegation. - Schools should explain how students can ask questions before a deadline, who reviews misconduct concerns and what appeal procedures are available.

Between the lines: - The issue is not just whether students use AI, but whether schools can prove a rule violation under clear published standards. - A detector flag alone is not the same as evidence of misconduct, which makes documentation and process more important. - Schools that want students to build AI fluency may need policies that separate allowed assistance from prohibited substitution.

What’s next: - Colleges are likely to keep updating syllabi, honor codes and assignment instructions as AI use becomes more common. - Students and families will need to check each course’s rules before using AI tools. - Schools may face more scrutiny over how they investigate and appeal AI-related misconduct allegations. - K Altman Law says students should preserve drafts, notes, version history and records of any AI use, and should respond quickly if accused.

The bottom line: - Clear AI rules and fair review procedures are becoming essential parts of campus policy, not optional add-ons.