Artificial Intelligence Policy and Guidelines

Effective as of October 6, 2026.

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made waves in our society in recent years. Consistent with Elon University’s Statement on AI, the Phoenix Policy Institute is dedicated to maintaining “ethical, resilient, and agile graduates who are active and responsible citizens who shape the future.” We acknowledge the importance of embracing new technological advancements and preparing our staff for the integration of these tools into the professional sphere. However, AI can present new challenges to academic integrity. It will be the responsibility of staff and external contributors to adhere to the guidelines established in this document. It is the goal of this policy to preserve the originality, credibility, and intellectual integrity of the Phoenix Policy Institutes’ work.

Guidelines for AI Use

Brainstorming

AI may be used to assist with brainstorming, organizing ideas, and developing outlines. It is prohibited for individuals to use AI to generate research questions and topics. Individuals are required to disclose their use of AI (see AI Transparency and Disclaimers for more information).

Research

AI systems may be used to identify and locate potential sources and relevant articles and suggest materials for further investigation. All sources identified through means of AI must be independently reviewed and verified by the individual. AI-generated citations, quotations, and claims must not be used without their accuracy being confirmed.

Staff and external contributors may use a system to organize research findings and identify areas that require additional research. It is highly encouraged that individuals look to other means of gathering information and not solely rely on AI systems to do their research.

Individuals may not upload another individual’s work, intellectual property, or private information into any AI system without that individual’s consent.

Individuals are required to disclose their use of AI (see AI Transparency and Disclaimers for more information).

Individuals are encouraged to use the possible AI prompts listed below but are not required to do so.

Possible AI Prompts:

“Identify peer-reviewed and credible sources that focus on [insert topic here]. Prioritize scholarly journal articles, academic books, and research published by reputable institutions. Ensure sources represent a variety of perspectives and are authentic and verifiable.”

“Identify trustworthy, peer-reviewed sources exploring [insert topic here]. Prioritize sources that focus and/or include these keywords: [keywords here]. Prioritize scholarly journal articles, academic books, and research published by reputable institutions. Ensure sources represent a variety of perspectives and are authentic and verifiable.”

Drafts & Final Product

AI may be used to identify spelling and grammar errors, though the use of dedicated grammar-checking software is highly encouraged. No portion of the final product may consist of AI-generated content. All published work must reflect the original writing and analysis of its author.

Images / Graphics

The use of AI to generate images, digital graphics, or graphs is strictly prohibited, except in the case of an image being used as an illustrative example of the use of AI within the context of the article.

AI Transparency and Disclaimers

Use of AI in any regard MUST be disclosed in any form of published work using the disclaimers presented herein. Failure to use the disclaimers presented in this document will result in one’s work being removed and reuploaded with the appropriate declaimer attached.

Brainstorming Disclaimer: AI was used to assist with brainstorming and organizing initial ideas for this [Blog Post/Policy Memo]. The analysis and final content represent the author’s original work.

Research Disclaimer: AI was used in the process of sourcing articles for this [Blog Post/Policy Memo]. All sources were independently reviewed and verified by the author[s].

Editing and Drafting Disclaimer: AI was used to assist with editing and improving the organization of this [Blog Post/Policy Memo]. The author[s] retains responsibility for the content and final analysis.

Image Disclaimer: This image was generated using AI and is included for illustrative purposes.

Accountability and Governance

All staff members and external contributors are required to abide by the terms set within this document. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions presented herein, will result in work not being published and risk an Honor Code Violation being filed as compliant with Elon University’s Generative AI Statement.

External contributors must sign a form confirming their work abides by the policy set herein. They will also be required to submit their professor’s policy on AI if and only if the work being submitted was produced for that course.

Review and Update of Policy

This policy will be reviewed and updated on a semesterly schedule as staff changes occur.