Learning & Teaching

Following the update to the guidance for the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in assessment, the University hosted a GenAI Information Session in September 2026. 

During the session, Martin Hendry, Clerk of Senate and Vice Principal, Andrew Struan, Director of Academic Services, and Anthony Devine, Deputy Head of the Adam Smith Business School: 

• ‌Provided an overview of the new webpages and guidance 

• ‌Highlighted the new two-scenario model 

• ‌Signposted to resources and support available  

‌Jennifer Boyle, Head of Student Learning Development, also provided an overview of the student guidance. 

You can catch up with the recording below.

This new GenAI Guidance for Assessment is being implemented at the beginning of the academic year 2026-27. We ask that colleagues across the University follow the existing guidance until all assessments set in the academic year 2025-26 are marked.  

‌The purpose of the guidance is to help you understand the University’s policy on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in relation to assessment practice. It outlines two scenarios that detail if and how GenAI can be used in assessment. You can utilise this guidance to inform and review your assessment design, in the context of the Learning Through Assessment Framework.   

The update moves to a two-scenario model, providing colleagues and students with clearer guidance on the use of GenAI in supervised and unsupervised assessment:  

• Scenario 1: Supervised Assessment (i.e. in-person, invigilated tasks where conditions are controlled) where GenAI use is not permitted unless expressly indicated.  

• Scenario 2: Unsupervised Assessment (i.e. most take-home assignments, coursework, and other independent work) where GenAI use is generally permitted but must be appropriately acknowledged. However, course co-ordinators can still indicate, on an assessment-by-assessment basis, any limitations on the use of AI.  

You can view the guidance on the two scenarios on the webpages.   

The University has a number of resources available for staff and students, detailed on the GenAI Support webpage, including the GenAI Innovation SharePoint, and courses on GenAI.  

You can find information on how to use the University’s Learning Through Assessment Framework to create assessments where authentic student engagement is integral to success, reducing the risk of GenAI misuse. 

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First published: 3 September 2026