UC Davis Student Guide to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

The following guidance aims to introduce students to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), focusing primarily on ChatGPT, and how to use it ethically and with integrity.

Understand Limitations of Generative AI

Before using AI tools, you must be aware of their main limitations.

Misinformation and outdated responses. To perform well on given tasks, generative AI is trained using datasets from previous years. This means that the tool’s responses may not include the latest information or current events like a search engine would. These tools can also generate inaccurate or harmful content, thus you should always fact-check and consult sources directly.
Bias and stereotypes. Since generative AI uses datasets from diverse online sources, it is possible for responses to include prejudice and bias. Researchers and developers are trying to mitigate these issues, but they are still present in the system. Be aware that these tools cannot recognize bias, and instead may perpetuate them.
Fake citations. Generative AI can produce fake information, including fake references and citations, which can lead to academic misconduct. Keep in mind that these tools are incapable of generating novel, original ideas. Its responses come from the datasets it was trained on, which can be traced back to source material.
Limited calculation ability. Generative AI is not designed to perform calculations, thus its responses may be incorrect and inconsistent. You should always compare your results with tools designed for calculations.

Furthermore, do not input any personal information into generative AI. Doing so puts your privacy and security at risk.

Use GenAI with Integrity

GenAI can be a helpful resource to aid in your studies. However, generative AI should not be used to replace your learning, such as doing assignments or exams for you. Be sure to check out the UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct, which includes policies about AI use.

To effectively use generative AI with integrity, you should:

Verify the information you obtain from AI tools by cross-referencing for misinformation
Draw your own conclusions from information provided by AI tools
Understand the limitations of AI tools
Learn how to cite generative AI in your work
Talk to your instructors about their class policies for AI use

Resources

Check out the following resources to learn more about generative AI, its limitations, and how to use it.

Content on this website is subject to change as AI tools continue to develop. Page last updated October 10, 2025.