Strengthening Academic Integrity in the Age of AI

As technology continues to evolve, so do the challenges and opportunities within higher education. At the forefront of these conversations is academic integrity, especially in fields like computer science, where tools such as artificial intelligence are rapidly reshaping how students learn and complete assignments. For Lecturer Steven Gold of the Hung Family College of Engineering at California State University, Long Beach, maintaining academic integrity is not about enforcement alone, but about fostering meaningful learning.

Gold, who previously served as chair of a college-level academic integrity committee, brings decades of experience in both industry and academia. His perspective is shaped by more than 40 years in computer programming, along with a deep passion for teaching. “The goal is not to catch students doing something wrong,” he explains. “The goal is to help them learn. If students don’t engage with the material themselves, they miss the entire purpose of being here.”

The rise of AI tools has introduced new complexities into the classroom. While these technologies can assist with learning, they can also be misused in ways that bypass the learning process altogether. For Gold, the distinction is clear. “AI is a powerful tool, and it can be very helpful when used correctly,” he says. “But students need to use it to support their understanding, not replace it.”

This challenge was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the academic integrity committee. The group, composed of faculty members and college leadership, worked collaboratively to establish clearer guidelines and expectations around student work. Their goal was not only to address misconduct but also to create a more consistent and supportive academic environment.

One key outcome of the committee’s work was the development of structured guidelines that outline expectations for both students and instructors. These guidelines emphasize transparency, consistency in course policies, and the importance of clearly communicating expectations through course syllabi. While instructors retain flexibility in how they teach and assess their courses, the guidelines provide a shared framework that helps students better understand academic standards across the college.

Gold notes that consistency plays a critical role in shaping student behavior. “Students take multiple courses with different instructors, and each class may have slightly different expectations,” he says. “Providing some level of consistency helps reduce confusion and allows students to focus more on learning.”

Beyond policy, Gold emphasizes the importance of addressing academic integrity as a learning opportunity. One approach he has incorporated into his teaching is a “redemption” process, which allows students to reflect on their actions and learn from their mistakes. “If a student makes a poor decision, there should be consequences,” he explains. “But there should also be a path forward. Reflection helps them understand the impact of their choices and grow from the experience.”

This philosophy reflects a broader shift toward student-centered learning. Rather than viewing integrity violations purely as disciplinary issues, Gold sees them as moments to reinforce the value of knowledge and skill development. In his classroom, success is not defined solely by grades, but by a student’s ability to understand and apply concepts independently.

“Grades are important, but they are not the ultimate measure of success,” Gold says. “What really matters is whether students are building the skills they need for their future careers.”

His teaching approach also highlights the importance of engagement. Drawing from his industry experience, Gold incorporates real-world examples and storytelling into his lectures to make complex topics more relatable. He has found that when students are genuinely interested and engaged, they are more likely to take ownership of their learning.

“Students learn best when they are curious and motivated,” he says. “If they develop a passion for what they are studying, everything else starts to fall into place.”

Looking ahead, Gold believes that academic integrity will continue to evolve alongside technology. One area that may require further development is the role of AI in education. While current guidelines provide a strong foundation, there is growing recognition that more specific direction around AI usage could benefit both students and faculty.

“There is still a lot of discussion around what constitutes appropriate use of AI,” Gold notes. “As these tools become more common, it’s important that we continue refining our approach.”

Ultimately, Gold envisions a college culture where integrity is not just a set of rules, but a shared value. By combining clear expectations, supportive teaching practices, and opportunities for student growth, he believes the college can create an environment where students are empowered to succeed honestly.

“At the end of the day, we are here to help students learn,” he says. “When they take ownership of that process, they not only succeed in the classroom, but also in their careers.