COMPASS for staff

Guidance for communicating GenAI permissions for assessments

COMPASS is the name of the science Schools' guidance regarding the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in assessments on taught programmes, effective from 2023/24 onward. In effect, it describes how we will operationalise LJMU’s advice in respect of AI tools. Assistive AI technologies, that improve the accessibility of digital technologies, are not within the scope of COMPASS.

Actions needed by Module Leaders

  1. Add GenAI conditions to assessment information on Modules/Pages within Canvas.
  2. Add GenAI conditions to Assignment descriptions within Canvas.
  3. Report cases of suspected deviation from permitted conditions via the AMP process.

Add GenAI conditions to assessment information on Modules/Pages within Canvas

There are four options for specifying how GenAI may be used in an assessment, each with an associated code letter shared with one of the four cardinal directions. Code letters are useful in summary tables of assessment information where space is limited, the column heading being ‘GenAI’. In all directions, students may elect not to use GenAI where this is an option.

N - No GenAI tools may be used. See the COMPASS webpage: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/compass/students.

S - Specified GenAI tools may be used and these will be stipulated. See the COMPASS webpage: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/compass/students.

E - Every GenAI tool may be used. See the COMPASS webpage: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/compass/students.

W - Ways in which GenAI tools may be used will be stipulated. See the COMPASS webpage: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/compass/students.

When students are asked to use specific AI tools, preference should be given to the GenAI resources already provided via all LJMU student network accounts: MS Co-pilot (available within Microsoft Edge). Students who decide to set up accounts with external providers of GenAI tools, for example Chat GPT, should be advised to use a non-LJMU email address. This will prevent issues down the line if the tool becomes integrated within LJMU network resources.

The LJMU Learning and Teaching Strategy 2023-30 obliges programmes to:

  • utilise a range of assessment methods that support the application of skills and understanding to future areas of study
  • set assessments that enhance the development of discipline-specific and transferable skills

Programme teams’ decisions on permitted uses of GenAI should be informed by these priorities. Making no changes to assessment in response to GenAI has associated risks and is not sustainable.

Add GenAI conditions to Assignment descriptions within Canvas

A description of assessment permissions is pasted into Canvas assignment details, Appendix 1:

N - No GenAI tools may be used: You must not use AI tools to create any draft or final versions of your work. For more details, visit the COMPASS webpage: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/compass/students. By submitting this work for marking, you are confirming that you have worked within these conditions and you understand that, in cases of doubt, an investigation may be held.

S - Specified GenAI tools may be used: You may choose to use [name(s) of AI tool(s)] only. Your use or of GenAI must be appropriately acknowledged. For more details, visit the COMPASS webpage: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/compass/students. By submitting this work for marking, you are confirming that you have worked within these conditions and you understand that, in cases of doubt, an investigation may be held.

E - Every GenAI tool may be used. You may choose to use any GenAI to assist you in any way. Your use of GenAI must be appropriately acknowledged. For more details, visit the COMPASS webpage: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/compass/students. By submitting this work for marking, you are confirming that you have worked within these conditions and you understand that, in cases of doubt, an investigation may be held.

W - Ways of using GenAI tools are specified: You may choose to use [name(s) or ‘any GenAI tools’] in order to [ways in which use is permitted] only. Your use of AI must be appropriately acknowledged. For more details, visit the COMPASS webpage: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/compass/students. By submitting this work for marking, you are confirming that you have worked within these conditions and you understand that, in cases of doubt, an investigation may be held.

Report cases of suspected deviation from permitted conditions via the AMP process

If no GenAI may be used in an assessment, but the assessor believes that one has been used, then the potential offence is akin to that of a student using an essay mill for a coursework or using unauthorised notes in an exam. In all directions, a potential offence might arise through:

  • the use of a prohibited GenAI
  • using a permitted GenAI in a proscribed way
  • failing to appropriately acknowledge use of a GenAI

Appendix 1 - The Canvas set-up interface

Information should be included in the free text field after the Assignment name has been assigned

Screenshot of Canvas assignment set-up interface. The upper free-text box is for the assignment title. The lower free-text box is where the GenAI conditions would be pasted.

Acknowledgements

Policy and practice guidance around the use of AI technologies, Monash University (4/7/23)