UR student governments pass joint resolution on generative AI access

The Richmond and Westhampton College Student Government Associations passed a resolution on Oct. 26 requesting that the University of Richmond provide all University of Richmond students access to Grammarly Premium and Canva Pro for free.

This move highlights an effort by both governments to expand student access to learning tools.

Grammarly is an online writing tool used by students to help with grammar and writing quality. The free version provides a simple spell and grammar check, while the premium version amps up these attributes, aiding with things such as clarity, word order and voice. A generative artificial intelligence feature is also included, which can brainstorm writing strategies, craft written content and create citations. 

Canva is an editing and designing software that provides tools and templates for creation. The pro version supplies the user with millions more photos and templates, along with the addition of AI editing features that simplify the photo editing process. 

The involvement of AI in these programs is notable because of the negative preconceptions many have about its use in the classroom. 

Senior Nick Cicchetti, the RCSGA vice president of academic affairs, said the presence of AI was a significant point of consideration for the student government when the resolution was discussed. 

“It was the first question out of our mouths when we were on the Zoom call with the Grammarly VP for sales,” Cicchetti said. “We asked her to walk us through how the AI model works in Grammarly and what it does that other AI models don’t.”

Cicchetti said UR’s solution would be to turn off many of the generative AI features at the IT level to combat qualms students or teachers might have.

“The question is, when we turn the AI toggle off, is it still worth it to get Grammarly Premium over the free version of Grammarly? And the answer is still yes,” he said.

On Nov. 15, members of the RCSGA presented the Grammarly and Canva resolution to the faculty senate, the dean of the Robins School of Business, the provost, and the chief of staff to the Office of the President, who voted unanimously to support the resolution.

The RCSGA says the resolution will be considered next by the President and the Board of Trustees.

Since generative AI programs have become more widespread, UR has been permitting professors to determine how it should be used in their classrooms, if at all.

If the university provides AI programs to students, professors who are less comfortable with the new technology assistance may have a harder time discouraging students from using it.

However, Andrew Bell, an adjunct professor and recognized expert in AI in higher education, said he feels the number of such professors has lessened in recent years as people become more familiar with generative AI tools.

“I believe that when people actively engage in exploring what generative AI can and can’t do, the more likely people are to understand its functionality and benefits,” Bell said. “If you are increasing access to these tools, you’re encouraging experimentation into it.”

Bell believes that having access to tools like Grammarly Premium and Canva Pro can help students and professors understand how to use these tools effectively.

Many students at UR have already had a positive experience using both of these tools. 

Sophomore Virginia Thompson, a writing consultant in training for the Weinstein Learning Center, said she had a productive encounter with Grammarly Premium during a midterm assignment for her English class.

"Grammarly Premium is definitely helpful for writing consultants -- it allows us to focus on more big-picture ideas, rather than nitpick word choices, grammar, or spelling,” Thompson said. “I appreciated its feedback because it found areas where I could improve my clarity, something that's important in writing for English classes…ultimately I found the experience very valuable.”

Contact writer Celia Poag at celia.poag@richmond.edu.