Artificial Intelligence Usage Policy

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the capacity to significantly influence and transform education, just as it does in other areas of life. To ensure that this influence and transformation drive deep and lasting learning, high-impact research, and social contributions, a clear set of guiding principles is essential. This document sets forth the fundamental framework for using AI tools at Özyeğin University.

Course instructors have the discretion to determine the extent to which students may use AI in their courses by selecting one of the following options: (1) Unrestricted use provided that students adhere to the core principles listed below. (2) Limited use, permitted only for specific, well-defined tasks in compliance with the following core principles. (3) Prohibition of AI use in coursework. Course instructors must explicitly state their AI usage policy in their course syllabi, clearly defining the circumstances in which students may or may not use AI tools, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing by the course instructor or administration, using AI-generated content in any course evaluation and assessment process (e.g. exams, assignments, etc.) and presenting it as one's own work constitutes a violation of Özyeğin University's Academic Integrity Rules and may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Özyeğin University supports the use of AI in education, research and development, community outreach, and administrative processes in alignment with the following core principles.

Core Principles for AI Usage

1. AI tools must be used in an ethical, secure, and responsible manner, in strict compliance with international, national, and institutional principles.
2. In each use of AI, due care and caution must be exercised to protect the personal data of students, faculty, and staff, ensuring full compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and relevant data protection regulations.
3. Platforms and tools that may compromise the confidentiality of personal data should not be used.
4. The use of institutional data in AI tools requires prior authorization from relevant parties. No confidential documents or information may be uploaded to open-source (e.g., ChatGPT, DeepSeek) or closed (institutional) Large or Small Language Models (LLM/SLM) or other AI tools with machine learning capabilities.
5. The purpose, scope, and method of AI usage must be transparently and explicitly specified in the reference and/or comments/notes sections.
6. Course instructors must clearly and elaborately specify their AI usage policies in course syllabi.
7. AI usage and AI-supported research must align with the University’s existing policies and principles. Before using AI tools, these policies should be reviewed to determine whether the intended use would raise any concerns.
8. Users bear full responsibility for all outputs and outcomes resulting from or associated with AI usage.