Meeting & Agendas

Dr. “Lisa” Coppoletta opened the discussion regarding how she sent a memo to her students about how they would be robbing themselves as humans if they allowed Artificial Intelligence (AI) to be abused, which could affect critical thinking throughout the student body. Dr. Coppoletta goes on to describe how noticeable it is when students are using AI and she believes training should be provided to faculty to easily identify such examples. Eileen Eiden would also like for our committee to educate students on positive uses of AI, rather than focus on it as a plagiarism tool. Dr. Tamez challenged the committee to begin exploring how the student code of conduct identifies AI when dealing with cases of academic dishonesty. Currently, ACC does not have a specific stance on it and professors should have the plan if they want to allow it in the classroom. Patty Zuniga made comments about whether or not it would be okay to put more information about AI onto the Student Rights and Responsibilities website. She stated that the English department has standardized what the department determines to be acceptable when using ChatGPT as a tool instead of a student conduct violation. Emily Olson stated that ChatGPT does not serve the student since they will not pass their exams if they rely too heavily on it. However, if we teach them how to properly use it then it will give them the much needed guidance needed for success. Emily states that the college needs to determine a consistency when allowing students to use such tools. Dr. “Lisa” Coppoletta suggests that maybe this will be a good time to create a video on how to not abuse AI and use it as guidance.

Dr. Tamez spent time over break goal taking a thorough look at the existing student code of conduct and will be getting together with the north region deans to align existing student related challenges to ensure our policies are clear and current.

Patty Zuniga states that the students’ rights and responsibility needs to take the lead in ensuring ACC disclose certain critical information to our prospective students. Dr. Tamez said it would be best if ACC used the new student application to disclose certain critical information to our prospective students. For example, the application could inform students about the CARES process as well as how certain behaviors can lead to violations to the student code of conduct. Currently, workday for students is on pause, so ACC is waiting to determine our next steps in this process.

Emily Olson shared her perspectives as to what happens when a CARES referral is submitted. She states she appreciates the auto generated response, but believes more should be done by leadership who is responsible for providing support to our students, but also should be providing general updates to our faculty members who submit these reports. Charlene Buckley agrees that when we receive reports about our students from faculty and staff, there should be a personal thank you shared with staff or faculty who submits the referral and leadership should personalize each response to ensure staff or faculty know the student will be adequately supported. Dr. Tamez explained how there is a committee that is currently reviewing the CARES process and making relevant recommendations on making the process smoother. Patty Zuniga shared an experience when she was finishing her degree at another institution. She explained that her professor submitted a CARES referral on her without having a conversation with her. It was a “textbook” example of how faculty and staff can have great intentions, but fail to check in with the student to clarify if a referral is even needed. Patty states, we can’t afford to assume something critical is going on with our students without first checking on the student. Dr. “Lisa” Coppoletta has a great practice of verifying the status of her students by asking them if they are ok and to sit with them prior to submitting the report. Charlene Buckley states just because someone makes a report, additional steps should be taken to move the process forward. Sometimes a conversation is needed with our students to make sure all is okay.

Thank everyone for their participation and time.

Meeting Adjourned: 11:55 am

Next Meeting Date: February 09, 2024

Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Location: Zoom