The MSU Department of Earth Sciences has released new standards for the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in research, teaching and coursework. These guidelines clarify when AI may be used, when it must be acknowledged, and when it is prohibited to help students and faculty understand expectations across assignments. The standards align with international geoscience ethics recommendations.

AI Standards 

These guidelines are intended to support our department as we navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape. Please review the full document below.

AI Standards Pg 1

AI Ethics Quick Look 

The following table summarizes the core principles of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics Recommendations for the Geoscience Community, from the International Union of Geological Sciences. These guidelines highlight responsibility, humility, justice, foresight, and integrity. 

AI Ethics 1,2AI Ethics 3,4

AI Ethics 5,6AI Ethics 7,8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Cleverley, Paul H., et al. 2025. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics Recommendations for the 
Geoscience Community. Committee on Geoethics, International Union of Geological Sciences. Published 
online, 26 Sept 2025.

 

Student Guide for Acceptable Use of AI in Coursework 

The chart below outlines the department’s Red–Amber–Green system for the use of generative AI in coursework. This framework helps students understand when AI is prohibited, when it may be used in a limited role, and when it is an expected part of the assignment.

AI Usage Color Scale

Source: This guide is reproduced and adapted from the University of Leeds’ Categories of assessments tool, 
published online and cited on Jan 5, 2026.

 

Questions or Feedback

These AI ethics guidelines are a living document, and we expect them to evolve as technologies and best practices continue to change.

We encourage students, faculty and staff to discuss any questions with their instructors or reach out directly to Dr. Julia Haggerty, Department Head, at julia.haggerty@montana.edu.