Guidelines & Principles on Using Generative AI for Higher Education
by Dr. Sean McMinn and Zack Lu
Check out the guidebook here (Jul 2026) (Require HKUST login)
This guidebook provides principles and general guidance on the appropriate use of GenAI in higher education. Its primary focus is to offer practical suggestions that can help teachers implement GenAI tools in their courses and benefit their teaching and assessment practices.
The guidebook consists of three main parts, each addressing a key question related to GenAI in higher education:
- Chapter 1 discusses the governance of GenAI in the context of HKUST, introducing five areas of governance that teachers need to attend to. This discussion highlights the importance of establishing appropriate course-level rules regarding students' use of GenAI.
- Chapter 2 builds on this foundation by introducing a methodology for developing course-level GenAI policies, along with the rationale behind the relevant decision-making processes.
- Chapter 3 addresses a common follow-up question — how to implement course-level GenAI rules and ensure their effectiveness — by suggesting assessment design strategies that help teachers ensure students use GenAI in ways that support, rather than undermine, meaningful learning.
This guidebook, along with its associated materials, was developed by CEI through a project funded by the Fund for Innovative Technology in Education (FITE). This fund was established by the University Grants Committee (UGC) of the Hong Kong government, with support from the Quality Assurance Council (QAC).
We also created a walkthrough version for quick access to key points.
Check out the walkthrough version here (Jul 2026) (Require HKUST login)
Policy for GenAI Integration in Teaching and Learning
Given the evolving landscape of GenAI tools, HKUST allows faculty members the flexibility to set their own course-level policies. Faculty members are required to communicate the chosen policy option to students in writing for courses offered starting Fall 2023-24.
This policy was formulated in consultation with faculty members and students from both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Our aim is to provide a student-friendly, adaptable framework in light of the rapidly evolving AI technologies.
Learn More (Require HKUST login)
Guidance from CEI
CEI has developed the following resources to guide the exploration and application of generative AI in an educational context. The landscape of generative AI in education is subject to rapid change. Given this fluidity, educators are encouraged to continuously engage with current discussions and resources to navigate emerging technological advancements and pedagogical strategies effectively.
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GenAI in Higher Education — Faculty Companion (HKUST)
This faculty companion serves as a thinking partner to help educators apply university guidelines with principled judgment on when and how AI should support student learning. It is structured around the Snap-to-Solve five-step process for redesigning assessments and is supported by the CRAFT governance framework, diagnostic grids, readiness reflection, and a library of assessment strategies.
Learn More (Mar 2026)
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Explore AI Literacy — A Visual Navigator for AI Literacy Frameworks
This visual navigator is an interactive tool for building a comprehensive understanding of AI literacy. It provides a high-level overview of how various frameworks emphasize AI literacy across nine distinct domains. The tool enables educators to directly compare different approaches, map related skills across terminologies, and ensure curricular completeness by identifying underrepresented domains or gaps within a chosen framework.
Learn More (Mar 2026)
Guidance from External Sources
Sean Hughes, the Academic Program Manager of Minerva Project, has also created a comprehensive and useful resource on the impact of Generative AI on Higher Education. The document provides guidance for academic leadership, faculty, and students on the different roles they need to consider in implementing Generative AI in Higher Education.