In a significant response to the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence within academia, Genio has rolled out a comprehensive AI Policy Template. This innovative resource aims to assist higher education institutions in creating clear, consistent guidelines for AI usage, particularly as student adoption has skyrocketed to 92% in 2025, compared to just 66% the year prior. Despite the swift embrace of AI tools by students, a staggering 91% express concern over unintentionally breaching institutional rules due to vague or inconsistent policies.
The launch of Genio's AI Policy Template comes at a crucial time when a disconnect between rising student AI engagement and institutional preparedness has become apparent. Many institutions have not adequately adapted to the rapid pace at which students are incorporating AI into their studies. With nearly universal usage among learners, the majority have reported that their schools’ guidance lacks clarity, consistency, or thorough application across different departments and courses. This ambiguity has created an atmosphere of uncertainty for both educators and students, leading to potential risks regarding academic integrity.
A standardized set of guidelines is essential to mitigate confusion and maintain fairness across the board, as varied approaches among different departments can lead to discrepancies and misunderstandings. Moreover, students need structured guidance to develop responsible AI skills that are increasingly becoming essential in today’s labor market. Genio’s AI Policy Template offers institutions a valuable resource to navigate these challenges effectively.
The template is designed to help academic institutions establish:
- - Clear frameworks for defining appropriate AI usage across various disciplines.
- - Guidelines that ensure academic integrity while embracing technological advancements.
- - Strategies aimed at bridging the digital divide instead of widening it.
- - Protections for both teachers and students through consistent policy enforcement.
- - Structured approaches for promoting responsible AI use as a crucial workforce skill.
Genio emphasizes the importance of 'productive friction' in its policy approach—this concept aims to strike a balance that neither entirely restricts AI use nor allows for unfettered access. The objective is to facilitate structured guidelines that bolster learning while upholding the rigor of academic standards. In this rapidly evolving educational environment, developing AI literacy is becoming as fundamental as traditional digital literacy skills.
Institutions facing challenges such as declining enrollments and the urgent need to prepare students for a workforce increasingly integrated with AI will find the template to be a practical starting point for policy formulation. Institutions are encouraged to modify the template based on their specific requirements, policies, and applicable legal considerations.
As stated by Josh Nesbitt, CTO of Genio, 'AI has fundamentally changed how students approach their academic studies, but institutions have been caught off-guard by the speed of adoption. Students want to use AI responsibly, but they need clear guidance on what this means in practice. Our template provides institutions with a framework that maintains academic integrity while preparing students for an AI-driven workforce. The goal isn't to prohibit AI use but to create productive friction that ensures students develop critical thinking skills alongside AI fluency.'
The AI Policy Template is now available for instant download from Genio's website, provided purely for informational and educational purposes without constituting legal advice. Institutions are advised to adapt the template in line with their policies, established protocols, and relevant laws.
About Genio: Formerly known as Glean, Genio specializes in creating intuitive learning tools aimed at enhancing student knowledge, skills, and confidence. Currently trusted by over 900 higher education institutions across the globe, Genio's products facilitate effective learning for individuals of all abilities. Their offerings include not only a lecture note-taking tool but also presentation rehearsal support, study skills courses, and more. For additional details, visit Genio's website.