A look back at AI Hands-On #8“Is this still your own work?” The use of generative AI in exams

23 September 2025

Photo: UHH / Hartel

On September 23, 2025, we held the eighth round of our AI Hands-On event—this time on the highly relevant topic of generative AI in examination work. The event kicked off with an overview of the key findings of the “ChatGPT & Me 3.0” survey, the results of which will be published on our website shortly.

A key finding of the survey is that many students feel uncertain about the use of generative AI (AI) in exam work such as term papers. However, there is also a wide range of approaches to this issue among teaching staff – both in terms of seminar design and the question of whether the use of AI in exams must be documented.

To address these challenges, the participants exchanged examples of different guidelines for the use of AI in exams in various faculties and departments during the warm-up.

One of the highlights of the event was the panel discussion with two speakers from the teaching staff and two from the student body, who discussed a wide range of perspectives on AI in examinations with the participation of the audience. The question of what “independence” actually means in the age of AI was examined in particular detail.

The following became clear: Students want clear and transparent rules – especially regarding documentation requirements for AI. At the same time, there is uncertainty on both the teaching and student sides; a lack of clear communication between teachers and learners further exacerbates the problem. Especially when it comes to the sensitive topic of exam performance, this is a challenge that must be addressed collectively. Open dialogue was repeatedly emphasized as a key solution.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the students and peer writing advisors Jo Iwicki and Janne Rosbiegal, as well as the lecturers Prof. Dr. Gabi Reinmann (Head of HUL) and Dr. Tobias Vlcek (University of Hamburg Business School) for their commitment as speakers.

After a short break, the specific needs of the individual faculties were discussed in productive small groups. Once again, it became clear that conditions and requirements vary greatly depending on the subject context and that an open exchange brings many new insights.

Finally, the recently published AI Guide for UHH students was presented, which teaches the basics of successful and responsible use of AI in academic studies. The guide, which was developed and discussed based on the discussion in the previous Hands-On session, is available on our website.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all presenters and participants for the stimulating and constructive discussion. We are particularly pleased that the continuation of the AI Hands-On series after the DDLitLab project period is already being planned. We are already looking forward to the next events and to a continued lively exchange on these important topics!