AI Policy

At eCornell, our certificate programs combine meaningful connections with peers and facilitators alongside thoughtfully integrated AI tools that enhance and support the learning experience.

eCornell certificate programs offer a small cohort experience, fostering a supportive community and enabling meaningful interactions. Participants engage with peers and expert facilitators through discussions, live sessions, Workshops, and Symposia. eCornell programs include applied projects that allow participants to connect course concepts directly to their professional work while receiving personalized guidance and feedback from our subject-matter expert facilitators. This small-cohort, facilitator-led approach sets eCornell apart, creating a more engaging and interactive learning experience than many traditional online certificate programs.

As part of our commitment to innovation, eCornell thoughtfully incorporates AI tools to support and enhance learning outcomes. AI is designed to complement, not replace, the human interaction that is essential for collaboration, meaningful feedback, and the connections that help learners succeed.

When we use AI to support the course experience, we follow these principles:

Positive Impact

At eCornell, we believe AI should support learning, not replace it. Our approach to AI is guided by a commitment to creating learning experiences that are human-led, academically meaningful, and centered on student growth.

Some courses may include references to or activities involving AI tools. These experiences are designed to help students explore course concepts, understand emerging technologies, and consider how AI may be used responsibly in professional settings. AI is intended to support learning and exploration, while preserving the importance of independent thinking, creativity, and original student work.

We recognize that students bring different perspectives and levels of comfort with AI, especially in disciplines where authorship, originality, creativity, and ethics are central to the learning experience. Our goal is to use AI thoughtfully and transparently, with appropriate human oversight, in ways that enhance learning while protecting the role of both the student and facilitator.

Transparency

We are committed to being clear about how AI is used within the eCornell learning experience.

AI is not used to determine student grades or independently evaluate student work. Student submissions are reviewed, assessed, and graded by human facilitators. In some cases, facilitators may use approved tools to help streamline parts of the feedback process, but responsibility for assessment, grading decisions, and final feedback always remains with the facilitator.

When AI tools are incorporated into a course experience, we strive to provide appropriate context so students understand how and why those tools are being used.

Safety

We approach AI use with care and intentionality. AI tools used within the eCornell environment are evaluated with attention to educational value, ethical considerations, and the overall student experience.

We believe AI should complement, not replace, human interaction, instruction, and critical thinking. Facilitators remain central to supporting student learning, providing guidance, and ensuring that course experiences remain engaging, rigorous, and supportive.

Security & Privacy

Protecting student information and intellectual work is an important part of our approach to AI.

Student submissions are not used to train AI systems. We are committed to safeguarding the privacy, integrity, and ownership of student work and personal information.

When AI-enabled tools are used, we work to ensure they align with institutional privacy and security standards and are implemented responsibly.

Accountability & Feedback

Human oversight remains central to how AI is used at eCornell.

Facilitators are responsible for reviewing student work, providing meaningful feedback, and making all final grading and assessment decisions. AI tools may assist with limited administrative or support tasks, but they do not replace human judgment or accountability.

We also recognize that AI technologies continue to evolve. We welcome feedback from students, facilitators, and partners as we continue refining our approach to ensure AI is used in ways that support learning and reflect our educational values.

Fairness & Inclusivity

We are committed to using AI in ways that support fairness, accessibility, and inclusivity.

We understand that AI tools can impact learners differently and may not always reflect the full diversity of perspectives, experiences, or communication styles represented in our learning community. Because of this, we prioritize thoughtful implementation and human oversight in all uses of AI related to the student experience.

Our goal is to create learning environments where all students feel supported, respected, and confident that their work, ideas, and contributions remain their own.