AUC Partners with Int’l Center for Academic Integrity to Address AI’s Impact on Student Learning

The American University in Cairo (AUC) hosted a three-day professional development program for faculty and staff on academic integrity in partnership with the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI).

The program examined how universities can preserve authenticity and trust in student learning as generative artificial intelligence reshapes education worldwide. 

The collaboration is part of AUC’s broader efforts to promote a culture of academic integrity across the University.

The event included a roundtable discussion titled “Crucial Conversations Around Academic Integrity and Student Learning in the Age of GenAI,” led by Greer Murphy, director of the Academic Integrity Office at the University of California, and vice president for strategy at ICAI.

Murphy noted that the rapid expansion of genAI has heightened the need for universities to demonstrate the authenticity of student learning and the value of their academic credentials. 

She explained that while artificial intelligence introduces new challenges, it also creates opportunities to enhance learning. 

“There are a lot of interesting possibilities for learning differently, and potentially better, with genAI,” she said, adding that institutions must find ways to verify learning outcomes and teach students to use these technologies ethically and responsibly.

Addressing how genAI has transformed classroom dynamics, Murphy said that technology challenges institutions to ensure alignment between policies, faculty expectations and student practices. 

She emphasized that while restrictions may be necessary in some courses, genAI is now part of the higher education landscape, and universities must adapt to it.

Murphy also called for a shift in how universities approach academic integrity, moving from a punitive to a restorative mindset. 

“Moving from punishment to restoration helps students learn and grow from mistakes,” she said, noting that the focus should be on verifying the authenticity of a student’s learning rather than only penalizing misconduct.

“Authenticity means ensuring that a student’s achievements truly reflect what their diploma claims they can do.”

Murphy underscored the importance of including students in shaping institutional approaches to integrity.

She noted that meaningful dialogue between students and faculty is essential to sustaining a culture of honesty and responsibility. 

“Talking at rather than talking with students leads to less sustainable outcomes. 

Also empowering faculty to foster integrity and incorporating student perspectives into policies and processes strengthens institutional trust and long-term success.”

AUC has been an active member of ICAI for many years, contributing to its mission to advance six fundamental values of academic integrity: honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. 

AUC faculty member Professor Mohamed Abou-Zeid previously served as ICAI director, and Marwa Gaafar, director of AUC’s Office of Academic Integrity, currently serves on several ICAI committees. 

Murphy said the latest collaboration builds on that longstanding relationship to further strengthen AUC’s integrity framework through workshops, benchmarking and faculty engagement.

Through collaborations like this, AUC continues to foster regional and global discussions on academic integrity and innovation in higher education, reaffirming its commitment to preparing students for leadership and ethical decision-making in an era defined by artificial intelligence.