29 November 2024
The University of Sydney is setting the pace with a new sector-leading assessment policy aimed at equipping students to use generative AI responsibly in their studies and future careers. Starting Semester 1, 2025, the University will allow AI tools to be used for assessments by default—except for exams, in-semester tests, or where teaching staff opt-out. This marks a bold step forward in modernising education while maintaining academic integrity.
From Semester 2, 2025, the University will implement a “two-lane approach” to assessments:
- Secure, in-person assessments
These will ensure students demonstrate the core knowledge, skills, and attributes detailed in course learning outcomes without external aids. - Open assessments
Designed to embrace modern tools, these will allow students to use generative AI and other resources, fostering critical thinking and adaptability for the contemporary world. Students will be required to produce original work, transparently acknowledging their use of AI and other aids.
Professor Joanne Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), highlighted the significance of the policy:
“This is a substantial change to our teaching assessment and program design, and it is absolutely necessary to ensure our graduates are equipped with the tools they need for the modern workforce. The changes we’re making ensure we are preparing students for their careers without compromising their learning or the integrity of our world-class education.”
The University has launched comprehensive training programs for staff alongside workshops, resources, and ongoing communications to support students and faculty in adapting to these changes. This initiative builds on a series of measures aimed at fostering equitable, effective, and ethical use of AI across the University.
Key initiatives include:
- Partnership with Microsoft: Providing free access to the generative AI tool, Copilot for Web, along with regular training sessions.
- AI Assistant ‘Cogniti’: A groundbreaking tool that allows teachers to create custom AI agents to assist students with syllabus content, answer questions, and deliver instant personalised feedback and support 24/7.
The University of Sydney’s efforts have earned it the title of AI University of the Year at the 2024 Future Campus Awards. These innovations ensure that the institution remains at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies in education, benefiting both students and staff.
With its forward-looking assessment framework, the University is setting a benchmark for higher education, preparing students not only to thrive academically but also to navigate and excel in an AI-driven world.
