Dartmouth Provost Resigns Over AI Use in Academic Work
Dartmouth’s provost resigns after using AI without proper disclosure in academic publications.
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Dartmouth University’s provost, Santiago Schnell, has resigned after a faculty-led review found he violated academic integrity rules by using artificial intelligence without proper disclosure in his academic publications and public writing.
AI Use and Disclosure Violations
Schnell resigned on October 28 following a review that concluded he used AI to meaningfully alter his writing, failed to disclose its use, and did not comply with Dartmouth’s ethical conduct standards. The committee found that Schnell had not been forthcoming about his AI use and that he did not provide requested personal AI logs or make himself available for meetings.
AI in Academic Work
The review examined Schnell’s use of AI in a chemical-kinetics manuscript, including editing, code troubleshooting, and figure creation. The committee noted that required disclosure was absent, and Schnell claimed he followed older instructions, but the publisher’s disclosure requirement dated back to at least 2023.
Public Writing and Policy Violations
The committee also reviewed an opinion column Schnell wrote about universities confronting AI cheating. The column acknowledged AI assistance, which violated the publication’s policy. The report emphasized that once work is submitted under a name, the author remains responsible for everything in the work.
Academic Integrity and Responsibility
Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock stated that senior leaders must model transparency and human judgment. The report serves as a concrete example for the institution as it teaches academic integrity to new students. The incident raises broader questions about the role of AI in academic and professional settings and the importance of clear disclosure policies.
Broader Implications
The case highlights the need for clear policies and the willingness to ask difficult questions about how work is produced. Schnell had access to sophisticated AI tools, but honesty required him to contribute personally. The incident underscores that titles do not exempt individuals from accountability, and that academic integrity remains a core value across institutions.
Source: PJ Media
