ChatGPT & OpenAI

Post University supports the advancement of teaching and learning and embraces the responsible use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, GPT, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, GitHub Copilot, and any tool thereafter. 

• Instructors and students are allowed to use generative AI tools for educational purposes, but all work submitted for grading must be the writer’s own work 
• Generative AI tools can be inaccurate, biased, offensive, or unethical because they are trained on large datasets of text and code that can contain inaccurate, biased, offensive, or unethical content. Users are responsible for the content they use or submit, which means they should carefully review the content generated by generative AI tools before using or submitting it.
• Work that incorporates information from a generative AI tool must be acknowledged. 
• Penalties can be incurred for using a generative AI tool without acknowledgement. 
• Despite the risks, the use of generative AI tools is allowed, as it may make it possible for work to be completed with higher quality and in less time. 

In short, generative AI can be a powerful tool for learning and productivity, but it should be used with caution. Users should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. 

The university's policy on plagiarism still applies to any uncited or improperly cited use of work by other human beings, or submission of work by other human beings as your own.

From: https://researchhelp.post.edu/c.php?g=1340439

Since there are many ways to use ChatGPT -- the answer on whether using it is cheating is it DEPENDS. 

Plagiarism is defined as Plagiarism, "representing the words, creative work, or ideas of another person as one’s own without providing proper documentation of source.

Before using ChatGPT or other generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools,

• make sure to check with your instructor if you can do so, and if so what exactly is permitted for a specific assignment

• If you are permitted to use ChatGPT or similar AI, evaluate the content carefully and critically. Content produced may contain incorrect or biased and therefore unreliable information. These tools may also infringe on your privacy (e.g. collecting data about you and sharing it), so use them with caution. Consider using more authoritative, reliable, secure sources instead
• If you are permitted to use AI-generated content, make sure to cite the information you use in the text and in the reference list. We also recommend adding an acknowledgement. 

When should I "cite" ChatGPT as a source? 

• If you are doing research ABOUT ChatGPT or other tools and using it is the topic and want to include example -- then yes you should cite it like any other source or evidence (e.g. in APA or MLA style). Or if you are using it to help analyze texts or using it as a tool -- include information on how you are using it in your assignment. 
• If you are using ChatGPT to help with background research, to create outlines, select keywords, etc. -- you should likely check with your instructor about their class policies.
• In general -- don't use Chat GPT as a "source" of information because it is often wrong or mixes correct and incorrect information. It isn't (yet) considered a credible source for academic research and writing.

Also keep in mind:

• AI tools use content from the internet to generate their output. This content may be copyrighted.  
  • For example: if you prompt ChatGPT to create a song similar to Leonard Cohen's "Anthem", or ask an image-generating AI to create an image based on the style of a specific artist, you may be infringing copyright because they are drawing from existing works. 

Adapted from: https://libguides.kpu.ca/c.php?g=713337&p=5281556