About AI in TLA
What is the University's Approach to AI in Teaching, Learning & Assessment?
Generative AI (GenAI) is transforming higher education, creating new possibilities as well as new challenges. At Stellenbosch University (SU), we are approaching this moment through a learning-centred lens - one that protects meaningful learning, upholds academic integrity, strengthens critical judgement and prepares students for responsible participation in an AI-rich world. Instead of prescribing a single approach, we encourage thoughtful, context-sensitive choices about GenAI in teaching, learning and assessment, with a focus on responsible use, digital literacy and student learning.
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Our Approach & Educational Priorities
The central question is not whether GenAI should be used, but how learning can remain visible, meaningful and validly assessed. AI should serve learning, not replace it. Different disciplines, learning outcomes and assessment contexts require different approaches. SU therefore supports informed, educationally defensible decisions rather than blanket prohibition or uncritical adoption. Students and staff remain responsible for the integrity, accuracy and quality of academic work. Human judgement, accountability and relationships remain central in an AI-enabled environment.
This translates into the following priorities:
Creating conditions where all students can participate, learn and be assessed fairly while recognising diversity in languages, knowledge traditions, digital access and AI literacy.
Protecting learning as a process of thinking, reasoning, reflection and intellectual development, rather than focusing only on outputs or performance.
Maintaining trust, dialogue, accountability and shared responsibility between students and educators in a rapidly changing environment.
Why This Matters
AI is prompting universities around the world to reconsider what counts as evidence of learning, how students develop knowledge and judgement, and what higher education is ultimately for. At SU, we see this not simply as a technological challenge, but as an educational opportunity to strengthen learning, assessment and human development.
Have a question, an idea, or a possible collaboration?
We would love to hear from you. Reach a real person via [email protected], and we will be in touch.
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