Artificial intelligence is transforming education and the workplace at an unprecedented pace. At South Piedmont Community College, we believe students should learn how to use these powerful tools responsibly and ethically while continuing to develop the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that technology cannot replace.
That’s why we’ve developed the Gator Guide, a framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in coursework. Designed to uphold academic integrity while encouraging innovation, the Gator Guide provides clear expectations for how AI can be used in the classroom.
The Gator Guide is rooted in the North Carolina Community College System’s AI guidelines and informed by the work of South Piedmont faculty who participated in the College’s Generative AI Pilot Program.
Gator Guide will be integrated into all South Piedmont courses during the 2026-27 academic year.
Gator Guide FAQ
The Gator Guide establishes four levels of AI use in coursework, giving instructors the flexibility to determine the appropriate level for specific assignments and learning outcomes.
The four levels of AI use included in Gator Guide are:
0: No AI permitted; 100 percent original student work.
1: Limited use of AI for brainstorming and organization.
2: Expanded use of AI for drafting and analysis.
3: Full AI integration as a collaborative tool.
Gator Guide is expected to be fully integrated into all South Piedmont courses by the end of the 2026-27 academic year.
Your instructor will communicate the AI level that is appropriate for each assignment.
AI is transforming the way we learn and work, and South Piedmont recognizes it has a responsibility is to prepare students for the workplace they are entering, where these technologies will play an increasingly important role. However, South Piedmont must also ensure students graduate with skills AI can’t replace, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving strategies.
Gator Guide provides a framework for balancing innovation with accountability, ensuring that AI can be used responsibly while protecting the integrity of the student learning experience.
Gator Guide ensures consistency across all courses at South Piedmont, providing clarity to both students and faculty members.
AInstructors determine what level of AI (0-3) is appropriate for assignments in their courses.
Instructors determine what level of AI (0-3) is appropriate for assignments in their course. Not all instructors teach the same. Likewise, the use of AI will vary by instructor.
Instructors reserve the discretion to determine appropriate consequences for violations of AI usage guidelines. If an academic integrity violation is identified, instructors will follow the reporting procedures outlined in the syllabus. Students charged with a violation retain the right to appeal in accordance with the College’s established guidelines described in the Student Handbook.