Currently, there is no reliable way to check if a student has used generative AI to create text. The software solutions marketed for AI detection are ineffective and not supported by Auburn's academic honesty process or legal team. While Auburn licenses Turnitin for plagiarism detection, it does not endorse the use of AI detection tools due to their unreliability.
Studies, such as the article "GenAI Detection Tools, Adversarial Techniques, and Implications for Inclusivity in Higher Education," have found that these tools have about a 39.5% accuracy rate, which drops to 17.4% if students attempt to outsmart the detection software using tools like BypassGPT. A blog post from Vanderbilt University also explains why they disabled the Gen AI detection tool built into their plagiarism detection software.
We encourage faculty to communicate and define their boundaries for the use of AI in their classrooms. The Biggio Center offers AI resources such as recommended syllabus statements and an award-winning Teaching with AI course to guide faculty on the effective use of AI in teaching.
Auburn University now has an enterprise license with Turnitin, a comprehensive plagiarism detection service integrated seamlessly with Canvas to ensure the originality of students' work.
Turnitin offers tools to detect plagiarism and provide feedback on student writing. It compares submitted papers against a vast database of academic papers, websites, and other sources to identify potential plagiarism. For a detailed guide on starting Turnitin, please refer to the Turnitin Help Guide for Instructors.
For support with Turnitin, please contact your Departmental IT professionals via the Auburn University IT Support page.