University of Chicago AI Ban rules will restrict AI tools and personal technology in its Social Sciences Core courses from the 2026–27 academic year. Under new guidance, students will generally attend classes in person, work with texts on paper and participate in discussions without laptops, mobile phones or wearable AI devices. Students will also be expected to complete assignments independently without AI assistance. Faculty will not use AI for grading, while course syllabi will be prepared by human scholars. The university says the approach is intended to strengthen students’ ability to read, write and think independently. The policy is not completely technology-free: faculty can seek permission to use technology for specific academic purposes, and accommodations will be available for students who need devices for learning. The development highlights a growing debate in global higher education over balancing AI benefits with independent thinking and academic skills.
University of Chicago AI Ban: What Students Should Know
