Can I use assistive technology for my coursework or my exams?

While assistive technology provided by the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), the Disability and Neuroinclusion team, or self-obtained may be used for coursework, you must carefully consider the use of any of these tools if they incorporate generative AI functionality. This includes software like Grammarly, which now features generative AI capabilities.

How you can use Gen AI

Generative AI tools should only support your studies and must never replace your own production of an assignment. You must always remain in control of your own work. Helpful applications include:

• summarising text — condensing lecture notes or group meeting overviews to help you revise

• planning time — suggesting study schedules to help balance your commitments

• structuring ideas — offering suggestions to develop your understanding of a topic or enhance assignment structure

Key limitations and ethical responsibilities

AI is a helpful tool for routine tasks, but it lacks human capability. It cannot understand meaning, make judgements, evaluate ideas, or apply academic reasoning, this is where your skills are required. When using AI, you must follow the university's ACT guidance:

• accountable —  take personal responsibility for using AI appropriately. Do not become reliant on it. Remember that limitations include false information, fabricated references, and potential biases or stereotypes.

• considered —  be aware of data risks. Never upload personal, sensitive, or copyrighted data into AI tools.

• transparent —  be open about your tool usage. You must acknowledge your use of generative AI and formally reference any outputs used in your work.

Always check your specific assessment brief for further guidance, and review the SurreyLearn module on the responsible use of AI.

Assistive technology in exams

Using assistive technology during exams requires prior discussion with the Disability and Neuroinclusion team first, so they can consider the assessments on your course and whether your use of assistive technology would be appropriate.

To discuss your options, please contact the MySurrey Hive team via Surrey Support, selecting Disability and Neuroinclusion as your enquiry topic.