Artificial Intelligence and Examinations

The orientation framework on handling generative AI (GAI) at the University of Hamburg covers general didactic principles for using GAI and outlines options for integrating it into teaching and examinations.

Orientation framework of the University of Hamburg for using GAI in studies and teaching [PDF]
University of Hamburg information page on GAI [web page, only in German]

In the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, a working group for digital teaching and examinations has provided teaching, studying, and examination recommendations to supplement the framework:

Recommendations for dealing with generative AI in teaching and examinations in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences [accessible PDF]

To supplement the recommendations for dealing with generative AI in teaching and examinations at the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences (WISO), the Department Council of Economics has resolved that Option A only should be used for examinations in the department.

AI for final theses

For final theses, GAI tools may be used only to the extent agreed upon between students and examiners. They may be used, if at all, solely as an aid; students’ own independent contributions must form the majority of the examination.

In addition to agreements about the use of GAI, the rules of good scientific practice continue to apply, for example: the appropriate use of data, sources, and material and the appropriate handling of intellectual property.

Agreement on the use of GAI to sign up for the final thesis

Before working on the final thesis, agreements on the use of GAI systems must be concluded between students and examiners. As part of this agreement, the information under Point 2 of the declaration that the student has authored their own work (“Description of the use of GAI in the final thesis”) needs to be clarified. GAI can be prohibited generally or limited only to specific parts of the final thesis (e.g., to help identify possible topics, create outlines, or develop software source texts/program code). On the registration form, both student and their first examiner confirm that the scope and applications of GAI have been discussed.

Find the registration form and other tips on final theses under “Final Thesis” at Services for Students.

Confirmation of compliance when submitting the declaration of authorship

In accordance with the GAI agreement made prior to starting work on the final thesis, the student must complete and sign (by hand) the declaration of authorship. The student submits, alongside the final thesis, the declaration, in which they also confirm their compliance with the agreements about the use of GAI.

Declaration of authorship for final theses [web page]

AI for term papers

For examinations for specific courses (e.g., term papers), a clear regulation for handling GAI is recommended. We emphasize here that the use of GAI for an examination of this type also needs to attest to a student’s authorship.

Communicating GAI regulations in courses

Teaching staff should address GAI in their courses and inform their students of the regulations for their academic work and examinations. As authorized examiners, teaching staff determine the scope of GAI and, if applicable, for what areas, for the completion of academic work or examinations. They have a right to prohibit the use of GAI entirely or to allow its use for course examinations.

Declaration of authorship

If GAI is permitted for course-related examinations, its use is recommended in conjunction with a corresponding declaration of authorship, which should be submitted along with the examination in question and in which compliance with the requirements for GAI has been confirmed:

Declaration of authorship for course-related examinations [accessible PDF]