Learn About Our Values
You are welcome here! The values statements below were drafted collaboratively by our collective tutoring staff.
Generative AI Policy
The Writing Center’s central goal will always be to support students. Therefore, we
are committed to remaining open-minded as we explore ways in which students can use
Artificial Intelligence (specifically Generative Artificial Intelligence or LLMs)
ethically and productively. Our focus in the center is not on regulating a student’s
AI use, but on collaborating with students to identify intentional applications of
AI that reflect Washington College’s academic honesty values and guidelines. Thus,
tutors welcome discussions about AI and its use in the writing process.
A crucial part of these discussions is honing the skill of AI literacy and the application of critical thinking to the act of engaging with AI. This includes thoughtful consideration of AI’s biases, hallucinations, environmental implications, and unauthorized use of some source material to generate its outputs.
Students are encouraged to stay informed about both the benefits and risks of AI and to use these tools in ways that promote their own growth as writers and critical thinkers. If a student plans to use AI as a tool in academics, it is important to consider how to do so in a productive and ethical manner.
Tutors in the Writing Center are well-trained to discuss AI literacy and help students understand their professor’s specific policies on AI to avoid any violation of Washington College’s academic integrity policies.
The Writing Center offers a low stakes space where students can talk with peer tutors who are there to lend an ear. Working with human tutors encourages thoughtful, nuanced discussion and intentional engagement with the writing process.
This policy was collaboratively drafted by writing tutors. As AI technology is constantly evolving, this policy will remain open to revision.