A Northeastern University student in the United States is demanding a tuition refund after discovering her professor used ChatGPT to create course notes. While many institutions prohibit students from using AI, students are now reciprocating by demanding similar "no AI use" rules for instructors.
The launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 sparked widespread concern among educators about student plagiarism. Schools and colleges implemented strict policies prohibiting the use of AI tools, emphasizing the importance of original homework and essays, with severe penalties for violations. However, the question arises: what happens when instructors resort to using ChatGPT themselves?
A Northeastern University student discovered her professor preparing notes with ChatGPT and is now seeking a tuition refund. While students face bans on AI use, they are now expecting instructors to adhere to a “no AI use” policy as well.
How Was It Discovered?
Ella Stapleton, a business student at Northeastern University, noticed something unusual in her "Organizational Behavior" class notes. The notes included the phrase: “expand on all areas. Be more detailed and specific,” a clear ChatGPT prompt. Ella told the New York Times, “I wondered if my professor had copy-pasted from ChatGPT?” Further investigation revealed AI-generated images, inconsistent fonts, and spelling errors in slides and assignments.
Demand for $8,000 Tuition Refund
Stapleton filed a formal complaint with the university's business school, demanding a refund of the $8,000 (approximately ₹6.5 lakh) tuition fee for the course. Her argument: “If students aren't allowed to use AI, why should professors be permitted?”
Growing Student Resentment
This case is no longer isolated. On platforms like ‘Rate My Professors,’ numerous students are complaining about instructors using AI-generated slides, robotic feedback, and delivering monotonous lectures that sound like they are ChatGPT-generated.
Defense from Instructors
Instructors argue that AI tools streamline and expedite their work, but students contend that they should be fully informed if AI is being used.
