Generative AI Tools

The UT Tyler Writing Center follows the recommendations of the MLA/CCCC Joint Task Force in the following principles on the use of GenAI in the Writing Center:

Definition of Writing
Writing facilitates learning, critical thinking, and social development and remains a key to successful education. Writing is also a process, rather than a product. We view the technologies of writing--computers, software, pens, and even AI tools--as part of the writing process.

Transparency
We support faculty in their policies regarding the use of GenAI tools in student work and hope for transparency in faculty policies. We also aim to be transparent in our own guidelines for the use of GenAI tools in the Writing Center. If a GenAI tool is used in a session, a note will be included in the Client Report.

AI Literacy
The Writing Center contributes to educating students and faculty on the use of GenAI tools in writing. We believe that students need a foundational education how AI tools function, their risks, and their benefits. We support programs on campus that enhance GenAI literacy and offer workshops in this endeavor.

UT Tyler Writing Center Policy

The UT Tyler Writing Center functions as a hub for writing related concerns, both for students and faculty. With the advent of widely available Generative AI tools, writers across a wide variety of contexts are faced with a confusing landscape regarding authorship, citation, and ethical concerns. In response to this challenging landscape, The Writing Center maintains our mission to support writers in their development and practices as authorities of their own work. We define writing as both a cognitive and physical process. The production of text is only one facet of the writing process. The Writing Center supports writers at all stages and provides a human centered space for writers to grow.

The Writing Center does offer training and support for writers using GenAI tools. We believe these tools can be a productive part of the writing process when used thoughtfully and ethically. Thus, students can utilize these tools as part of their session with a consultant. However, when making an appointment with a consultant, a writer must include the GenAI policy provided by their instructor.

In all cases, we defer to the instructor's policy regarding the use of GenAI tools.