Citation and style manuals

• APA (7th ed.): AI-generated text should be cited as an algorithmic output rather than a traditional author. If the output is not retrievable, it should be cited as personal communication.

  • In-text citation:

    (OpenAI, 2025)

  • Reference list citation (ChatGPT example):

    OpenAI. (2025, March 20). Response generated by ChatGPT [Large language model]. ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com).

  • Reference list citation (Copilot example):

    Microsoft. (2025, March 20). Response generated by Copilot [Large language model]. Copilot (https://copilot.microsoft.com).

  • Personal communication citation (when output is not publicly available):

    (OpenAI, personal communication, March 20, 2025)

• MLA (9th ed.): MLA does not treat AI as an author. Instead, citations describe the prompt and response, with the AI tool as the container.

  • Works Cited entry (ChatGPT example):

    "Describe the symbolism of the green light in The Great Gatsby." ChatGPT, version 13 Feb., OpenAI, 20 Mar. 2025, chat.openai.com/chat.

  • Works Cited entry (Copilot example):

    "Generate a summary of the latest financial report." Microsoft Copilot, version 1.0, Microsoft, 20 Mar. 2025, copilot.microsoft.com.

• Chicago (17th ed.): AI-generated content is treated like personal communication, typically cited in footnotes and not included in the bibliography unless a permanent, retrievable source is available.

  • Footnote (ChatGPT example):

    1. ChatGPT, response to "Explain how to make pizza dough from common household ingredients," OpenAI, March 20, 2025.

  • Footnote (Copilot example):

    2. Microsoft Copilot, response to "Summarize the key features of the latest Windows update," Microsoft, March 20, 2025.

• IEEE & Other Styles: AI citation practices are still evolving; check official style guides for updates.

  Note: AI-generated content should be used transparently, with proper attribution based on its role in the research or writing process. Citation styles continue to evolve, so users should check for updates from their preferred style guide.

Citing AI is not just about formatting references—it also raises questions about authorship, copyright, and academic integrity. Many style guides advise transparency when using AI-generated material, but institutions and legal frameworks are still defining policies on ownership and responsibility.

AI and Copyright: The U.S. Copyright Office has issued guidance on whether AI-generated works can be copyrighted, clarifying that AI-generated content without significant human authorship is not eligible for copyright protection.
🔗 U.S. Copyright Office: Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Academic Integrity

AI-generated content presents new challenges in academic integrity. While AI can be a useful tool, its usage must align with institutional and disciplinary standards. Many academic and publishing organizations emphasize that AI tools should not be credited as authors:

• World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) – States that AI tools cannot be listed as authors because they lack accountability and do not meet authorship criteria.
• JAMA Network – Specifies that AI-generated content must be transparently acknowledged in research but that AI itself cannot be credited as an author.

Instructor, Department, and University Guidelines

While Virginia Tech’s Technology-Enhanced Learning & Online Strategies (TLOS) encourages instructors to clarify AI usage in their syllabi, some may not include explicit guidance. In such cases, students should:

1. Check with their department – Some academic departments provide AI-use policies that supplement or reinforce instructor expectations. For graduate students, the Graduate School Statement on AI Use offers additional guidance on AI’s role in research and academic work.
2. Refer to relevant college or institutional resources – For example, the AI Resources for Research and Engineering page provides guidance that may be applicable beyond the College of Engineering.
3. Follow university guidelines – If neither the instructor nor the department provides clear direction, students should adhere to broader university policies, such as those outlined in Teaching and Learning with AI (TLOS) and AI in Research: Institutional Review & Compliance.

📌 Takeaway: AI tools can assist in research and writing, but they do not qualify as authors and must be used according to instructor, department, and university policies. When in doubt, students should consult their instructor first and, if necessary, seek clarification from their department or university guidelines.