Vilnius University Expels Ten Students for Improper AI Use
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Loading... - Charlotte Bates
- 25 Mar 2025
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Vilnius University has taken a firm stance on the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic work, expelling ten students last year for violating the institution's rules regarding AI usage. While the university does not prohibit the use of AI, it emphasizes the importance of transparency and proper attribution in academic submissions.
"Over the past year, about 10 students have been expelled from Vilnius University for improperly using AI in their work, such as in their final theses," stated Valdas Jaskūnas, the university’s vice-rector for studies. "Improper use means failing to disclose that AI was used." This decision reflects a growing concern among educational institutions about the ethical implications of AI in academia.
The issue of AI misuse is not isolated to Vilnius University; other universities are grappling with similar challenges. Nora Skaburskienė, director of the Studies Directorate at Vilnius Tech, noted that instructors have reported instances of students using AI inappropriately, leading to academic dishonesty. "Some students have received an 'N' grade—indicating academic dishonesty—on their final assessments," she explained.
At Vilnius Tech, students commonly utilize AI for written assignments and sourcing references. Skaburskienė emphasized the need for instructors to review both assignments and grading criteria, as the ultimate goal is to ensure that students demonstrate their own thinking and critical reasoning rather than merely regurgitating information.
However, not all students believe that AI is being abused. Gabija Juzėnaitė, a representative from the student union, expressed skepticism about the extent of misuse. "If we’re talking about generative AI, it makes a lot of mistakes, and I think many students recognize that. It cannot provide precise citations and makes errors in citing sources," she said.
Other students, like Nikodemas Girčys, acknowledge the potential risks associated with relying on AI tools. "There’s already a noticeable gap—relying on AI means some skills that would have developed naturally simply don’t form. This creates knowledge gaps," he noted, highlighting the importance of traditional learning methods.
Universities face significant challenges in tracing AI usage among students. Current plagiarism detection tools are often unreliable, making it difficult to identify instances of AI misuse. As a result, experienced instructors who possess a deep understanding of their subject matter are typically the ones who can discern when AI has been improperly employed.
As the landscape of education continues to evolve with the integration of AI, universities are tasked with finding a balance between embracing technological advancements and maintaining academic integrity. The actions taken by Vilnius University serve as a cautionary tale for students and institutions alike, emphasizing the need for responsible AI use in academic settings.
