I’ll be honest—this wasn’t an easy decision. Over the past year, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT have caused quite the stir in academic circles. Universities, colleges, and educators across the globe have debated heatedly over whether AI belongs in the lecture hall or should be left at the door. At Pet Sense College, we’ve taken our time to reflect, observe, and consult with local universities before arriving at a considered and forward-thinking decision: we are officially allowing the use of AI as an academic source.
Initially, like many education providers, I had reservations. Concerns around plagiarism, over-reliance, and the potential erosion of critical thinking dominated conversations. But ignoring the presence and potential of AI felt more like resisting a tidal wave than offering responsible guidance. The truth is, AI is here, and it’s not going away. Instead of fearing it, we’ve chosen to embrace it—thoughtfully and responsibly.
This shift is not about giving students a shortcut. It’s about acknowledging that AI has become an integral tool in research, writing, and even ideation. Much like the internet once disrupted traditional study methods, generative AI is redefining how information is accessed and presented. It can synthesise vast amounts of content in seconds, offer diverse perspectives, and even act as a study companion. For our students—many of whom are working professionals or entrepreneurs in the pet care industry—learning to use AI ethically and effectively is an essential skill for the future.
To ensure academic integrity is maintained, we are introducing clear guidelines in our Student Handbook under the section: Referencing AI-Generated Content. These guidelines follow the Harvard Referencing System and clarify when and how AI sources must be cited in academic work.
In short, students must reference AI-generated content when:
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Directly quoting text from an AI tool like ChatGPT.
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Paraphrasing or summarising information from an AI tool.
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Including screenshots or excerpts of AI-generated responses in their assignments.
However, there’s no need to cite AI if it’s used simply to brainstorm ideas or improve grammar and phrasing—provided none of the AI-generated text is copied directly into the assignment.
Here’s what that citation looks like using the Harvard style:
Reference List Entry: OpenAI, 2025. ChatGPT (Version 3.5) [Large language model]. Available from: https://chat.openai.com/ [Accessed 20 March 2025].
In-Text Citation: (OpenAI, 2025)
or
According to OpenAI (2025), generative AI can assist in synthesising large amounts of information efficiently.
We believe this policy strikes the right balance between embracing innovation and upholding academic rigour. Our goal at Pet Sense College is not only to teach students what to learn but how to learn in an ever-evolving world. Using AI responsibly is part of that journey.
As always, our team is here to guide and support students in understanding how best to integrate AI tools into their studies. This is a learning curve for all of us, but one we’re excited to take on—together.
