Cardiff Metropolitan University AI Principles

Foundation and Purpose

Cardiff Metropolitan University recognises artificial intelligence as a transformative technology that presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education. Following established educational AI best practice, as outlined in the Russell Group principles, these principles establish a framework for appropriate and responsible AI use that supports educational excellence while maintaining academic integrity.

Cardiff Met's approach to AI is neither blanket prohibition nor unrestricted use, but rather purposeful implementation guided by clear ethical standards and educational objectives. AI tools should serve in a collaborative role, augmenting but not replacing human judgment where deployed across our educational, administrative, and research processes.

Academic Integrity Framework

Core Policy

Cardiff Met's University Regulations regarding academic unfair practice establishes that inappropriate use of artificial intelligence software or services in the completion of assessments constitutes academic misconduct. The university operates on the principle that assignment briefs will explicitly identify where AI use may be appropriate; in all other cases, it is not permitted.

Assignment-Specific Guidance

Each assignment brief must clearly state whether and how AI use is permitted, creating transparency and consistency across all academic work. This approach aligns with sector best practices and ensures students understand expectations in each assessment context, reducing uncertainty, confusion and unintentional academic misconduct.

Enforcement and Support

The university's academic misconduct framework treats AI misuse as a serious violation that can result in penalties ranging from warnings to complete disqualification. However, Cardiff Met emphasises learning and development over purely punitive measures. Students found to have violated AI use policies are required to undertake "Academic Misconduct and Study Skills" modules to support them in developing appropriate AI literacy skills.

Ethical Use Principles

Transparency and Accountability

• Any AI assistance used in academic work must be appropriately acknowledged
• Students and staff must understand that AI detection methods may be utilised
• Human decision-making remains the ultimate authority in all academic and administrative processes
• AI use must contribute to and support, rather than undermine, educational integrity

Educational Purpose

AI should be employed purposefully to:

• Support, enhance and enrich the learning experience
• Promote student and staff well-being
• Enhance learning outcomes
• Support efficient processes across all areas of University activity
• Develop critical thinking about AI-generated information, recognising benefit but guarding against potential bias and inaccuracy

Equity and Accessibility

Cardiff Met is committed to ensuring that AI implementation promotes educational equity rather than creating barriers. The university recognises that:

• AI tools must be equitably accessible to all students where they are provided and supported centrally by the University.
• Innovative AI applications may particularly benefit students with learning difficulties, language barriers, and alternative learning needs.
• Resource deployment and investment in AI tools balances practical budget constraints with equitable access commitments.
• Digital and Library services, as key providers and supporters of AI tool deployment, actively work to ensure broad accessibility to AI tools.

Research and Professional Standards

Research Ethics

All research involving AI technologies must comply with the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics, ensuring that research conduct and reporting is accurate, truthful and fair. The university supports studies examining ethical challenges in digital technology use and the development of frameworks for ethically sound AI implementations.

Staff Development

Cardiff Met recognises the critical importance of supporting all staff in developing AI literacy. The university seeks to provide:

• A grounding & base level knowledge of AI tools & principles, and their appropriate and safe utilisation.
• Skills development to maximise AI value while reducing workload.
• Support for effective AI use in processes supporting learning, teaching, research and administration.
• Access to current knowledge through participation in collaborative initiatives and research projects.
• Modular, regularly updated training for both academic and professional services staff.

Governance and Implementation

Institutional Framework

Cardiff Met's AI governance operates within the University's broader Governance structure and ethical framework, ensuring alignment with core values of creativity, innovation, inclusivity and trust. The University’s governance structure includes mechanisms for ongoing review and adaptation of AI tools across different areas of University activity as technologies and best practices evolve.

Community Engagement

The university's approach emphasises collaborative development through:

• Regular policy review and sector-wide engagement.
• Active participation in communities of practice to share knowledge and analyse new tools.
• Systematic collection of student feedback through surveys, focus groups, and feedback loops.
• Continuous adaptation to reflect student needs and lived experiences.

Continuous Improvement

Cardiff Met maintains a commitment to evolution and improvement by:

• Regularly updating training to reflect changing AI capabilities.
• Participating in sector initiatives for innovative and responsible AI use in education.
• Ensuring these AI principles remain current and effective in supporting educational excellence.
• Managing emerging risks and opportunities proactively.

Implementation Commitment

These comprehensive principles provide Cardiff Met's community with clear guidance for responsible AI use while supporting the university's mission of providing high-quality, innovative education. The principles ensure that Cardiff Met prepares students for success in an increasingly AI-integrated world while maintaining the fundamental academic values that underpin educational excellence.

The University commits to making these principles accessible through comprehensive guidance materials and maintaining them as living documents that evolve with technological developments and educational best practices.