Welcome to the first edition of Read This for the 2024–25 academic year! The weekly newsletter, produced by the College Dean’s office and University Marketing and Communications, includes important updates and deadlines that you need to know to navigate the week ahead. And be sure to check the University’s @Rochester e-newsletter every weekday morning for news, updates, events, and more.

A reminder that classes begin Monday, August 26. Have a great semester!

If your instructors don’t clarify expectations about when, how, and whether artificial intelligence (AI) or large language model (LLM) tools such as GPT-4, ChatGPT, Copilot, Dall-E, Photomath, translators, or similar should be used in their courses, you should ask them. The academic honesty policy requires students to declare and fully cite the use of all sources and source technologies. Instructors could report you for unauthorized use of resources if you use AI/LLM tools without permission.

While there is no campus-wide ban on using AI/LLM tools, each department (sometimes even each course or each assignment) may set its own rules for what ethical and responsible use looks like in practice. To ensure you are completing coursework according to the spirit and letter of the College’s academic honesty policy, the Honesty Liaisons urge you to review:

• The academic honesty policy itself (especially the rules on authorized versus unauthorized use of resources, as well as the importance of clear and accurate attribution);
• Additional academic honesty guidelines given in the syllabus and other documents for each class you take (instructors can and will specify their additional guidelines beyond what is in the policy);
• The Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program’s Academic Honesty with Online Learning Tools resource, and other resources posted on the academic honesty website.

When deciding whether or not to use AI/LLM tools for your coursework, the liaisons also recommend first asking yourself: Is a tool doing something for me that will be assessed as part of course learning outcomes? If it is, don’t use it. Do I know if a tool is permitted or encouraged by my instructor? If not, or if you’re not sure, don’t use it. You can also contact the College’s Honesty Liaisons via email for general inquiries or at mywco.com/honesty for confidential appointments.

The deadline to enroll in optional dental and vision coverage for students through Aetna is September 15. The annual premium for dental coverage is $243 and the annual premium for vision coverage is $43. Students who wear glasses or contacts are especially encouraged to enroll in vision insurance. You may enroll in these plans even if you waive the Aetna student health medical coverage. This support is more comprehensive and predictable for dental or vision needs and emergencies than funding through other support resources, such as the Basic Needs Hub.

Current and incoming students are welcome to register with Disability Resources if they are interested in accessing disability accommodations, exploring eligibility, or identifying themselves as a student with a disability. Students are encouraged to register as early in the semester as possible but are welcome to apply at any point during the semester or during their time at the University. This process can take one to two weeks before accommodations are implemented. For more information about registering with Disability Resources or requesting disability accommodations, email disability@rochester.edu.

The first community weekend and one of the first Rochester Traditions of the academic year is quickly approaching. From August 28 to September 2, Rochester will be alive with a variety of fun activities to celebrate the beginning of the semester. Yellowjacket Weekend includes the Activities Fair, Drag Bingo with Darienne Lake, and a back-to-school BBQ. You’ll also find giveaways, poster sales, movie nights, and athletic events.