Acknowledging and Referencing AI Use
Why Acknowledging AI Matters
Whenever you use AI tools to help with brainstorming, summarising, outlining, paraphrasing, feedback, content generation, tutoring, or practising as part of your assessment preparation, you need to acknowledge this use.
Being transparent about AI tools:
- Builds trust. Acknowledging AI use shows openness and reinforces academic integrity.
- Keeps responsibility with you. The final work must still be your own critical thinking and analysis.
- Promotes ethical practice. Using AI responsibly is part of developing strong digital and academic skills.
Statement of Acknowledgement - Overview
Include a short statement in your assessment explaining how GenAI supported your work (e.g., planning, brainstorming, drafting, checking). Place this statement immediately before your reference list. If your task doesn’t include a reference list, add the statement at the end of your work. Use the template below to draft your statement.
For the rationale and process—why, when, and how to acknowledge—see the Statement of Acknowledgement
Template
I acknowledge that I have used the following AI tool(s) in the creation of this [insert type of output, e.g., “presentation”, “report”, “activity”]:
• [Name of AI Tool]: [Brief description of how the tool was used]
I confirm that the use of the AI tool(s) has been in accordance with the Torrens University Academic Integrity Policy and TUA, Think, and MDS’s Position Paper on the use of AI. I confirm that the final output is authored by me and represents my own thoughts and critical analysis. I take full responsibility for the final content of this [insert type of output].
Examples
- Report: I acknowledge that I have used Microsoft Copilot for generating outline ideas and proofreading. I confirm that the use of the AI tool has been in accordance with the Torrens University Academic Integrity Policy and TUA, Think, and MDS’s Position Paper on the use of AI. I confirm that the final output is authored by me and represents my own thoughts and critical analysis. I take full responsibility for the final content of this report.
- Poster: I acknowledge that I have used Scopus AI to generate topic summaries that helped me identify key themes and emerging research trends. I confirm that the use of the AI tool has been in accordance with the Torrens University Academic Integrity Policy and TUA, Think, and MDS’s Position Paper on the use of AI. I confirm that the final output is authored by me and represents my own thoughts and critical analysis. I take full responsibility for the final content of this poster.
- Presentation (slides): I acknowledge that I have used Gamma AI for creation of slides, which were subsequently reviewed and edited by me. I confirm that the use of the AI tool has been in accordance with the Torrens University Academic Integrity Policy and TUA, Think, and MDS’s Position Paper on the use of AI. I confirm that the final output is authored by me and represents my own thoughts and critical analysis. I take full responsibility for the final content of this presentation.
Referencing AI Tools (Torrens University adapted APA 7th Edition)
The Statement of Acknowledgement covers how you used AI in preparing your assessment. However, if you directly include AI-generated content (e.g., a passage, an image, or a dataset produced by AI), you must also provide a formal APA reference.
In-text citation
When quoting or paraphrasing AI output, cite it like personal communication:
The AI suggested that… (OpenAI, 2025).
Reference list entry
Follow APA’s guidance for software or AI tools. Include the developer, year, tool name, version (if available), and the source.
Format:
Developer. (Year). Title of AI tool (Version) [Large language model]. Publisher. URL
Example:
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (Feb 2025 version) [Large language model]. OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com
Putting It All Together
- Statement of Acknowledgement → Required for transparency about your use of AI tools in assessment preparation.
- APA Reference → Required only when AI-generated content itself appears in your submitted work.
This way, you show both honesty in your process and accuracy in your citations.