Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania
Curriculum Vitae Ombudsperson agendaOn July 12, the Chief Advisor of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures, Dr. Andrius Puksas, participated in a discussion held as part of a training session organized by the Vilnius University Students’ Representation (VU SA). The event focused on pressing issues related to academic ethics and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education.
The discussion opened with the presentation of the results from a VU SA study on academic dishonesty. The findings revealed that 72% of students do not know what constitutes a violation of academic ethics, while nearly 80% admitted to having acted dishonestly at least once per year. These figures raise serious questions about the effectiveness of ethical education, awareness-raising, and values-based communication in the academic environment.
Participants examined how generative AI is already reshaping teaching and learning processes, bringing both benefits and challenges to students and lecturers. A key focus was the growing concern over academic integrity: how can universities foster critical thinking when AI tools are easily accessible to every student? The discussion also explored whether universities should take a more active role in promoting a culture of responsible AI use from the very first year of studies.
The session raised important questions about the design and assessment of assignments—how can they be adapted so that AI becomes a support tool rather than a substitute for learning? Participants also discussed the ethical and practical limitations of AI-detection tools and their reliability. One insight highlighted during the forum was that the issue may lie not only in the limitations of these tools, but in the lack of clear definitions of what constitutes academic dishonesty.
At the close of the discussion, participants shared their visions for the future: what role should AI play in our lives ten years from now, and how can we ensure that this path remains ethical, responsible, and supportive of students’ independent growth?
The Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures is pleased to contribute to critical dialogue on the role of AI in higher education and encourages students to remain actively engaged in ethical discussions, seek consultations, and support a culture of academic integrity.
