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GenAI and Copyright for Students at the University of Cumbria

1. Why this matters

Generative AI tools (such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Adobe Firefly) are increasingly used in study and research. While they can be very helpful, they also raise important copyright, academic integrity, and data protection issues.

As a student, you are responsible for using AI tools legally, ethically, and in line with University rules.

2. Using GenAI safely and legally

Use approved University tools where possible

The University of Cumbria approved AI tools are Copilot, Firefly and Blackboard AI. Prompts and responses are not stored

  • Data is encrypted
  • Your inputs are not used to train AI models

Because of this, you can use Copilot for tasks like:

  • Summarising readings
  • Generating ideas
  • Supporting revision

Using library resources with AI

You may use limited extracts from library materials in Copilot for:

  • Private study
  • Non-commercial research

However:

  • Do not upload full journal articles or book chapters unless necessary
  • Do not share outputs publicly
  • Always stay within “fair dealing” limits

If a publisher or library database provides its own AI tool (e.g. ScienceDirect Reading Assistant), you are encouraged to use it - it may give more accurate results.

What you must NOT do

Do not upload the following to public or non-approved AI tools (e.g. free ChatGPT, personal subscriptions):

  • Full journal articles or book chapters
  • Lecture slides, handouts, or recordings
  • Assessment materials
  • Other students’ work
  • Any unpublished research

These platforms:

  • May use your data to train models
  • Are not licensed to use copyrighted content
  • Create legal and academic risks

3. Teaching materials and copyright

All teaching and learning materials provided by your lecturers (e.g. slides, recordings, handouts) are owned by the University.

Uploading these to non-approved AI tools:

  • Breaches copyright
  • May also breach University policy

4. Always check module rules

AI use varies between modules.

Your assessment brief will tell you whether AI is:

  • Not allowed (Category A)
  • Allowed for support only (Category B)
  • Fully integrated (Category C)

Always follow your module guidance and ask your tutor if unsure.

5. Using AI outputs responsibly

AI outputs are not always reliable and may:

  • Contain errors
  • Copy existing copyrighted content
  • Lack proper sources

You should always:

  • Check accuracy
  • Edit and improve outputs
  • Avoid copying text directly
  • Acknowledge AI use where required
  • Use resources (article, books) provided by the library – OneSearch is a good place to start.

6. Academic integrity and plagiarism

Using AI does not remove your responsibility to produce original work.

You must:

  • Reference sources properly
  • Acknowledge AI use if required
  • Avoid submitting AI-generated content as your own work

Remember:

AI tools are trained on large datasets, and their outputs may not be fully original.

7. Data protection and privacy

Never share sensitive or personal information with AI tools, including:

  • Personal data
  • Confidential University information
  • Private research data

Even approved tools should be used carefully.

8. Ethical considerations

There are ongoing concerns about:

  • How AI companies use copyrighted material
  • Lack of transparency in training data
  • Impact on authors, researchers, and creators

As a student, you should:

  • Use AI thoughtfully
  • Question outputs
  • Engage critically with generated content

9. Key tips for using AI well

  • Use AI to support, not replace, your learning
  • Keep your work original and critical
  • Stay within copyright rules
  • Follow module guidance
  • When in doubt — ask your lecturer

10. Further help

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