UWI to use AI-assisted system to manage misconduct amid AI boom in academics

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Jamaica Observer

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of the West Indies (UWI) has signed on to participate in the IntegraGuard Project, a platform for managing academic misconduct, in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), amid the rapid growth of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education.The Caribbean university in a press release on Thursday, said the partnership positions it among a select group of international universities working alongside UWS to re‑imagine integrity systems that are fair, data‑driven, transparent and future‑ready.Through the IntegraGuard Proof‑of‑Concept, The UWI noted that it is working closely with UWS to test and refine an integrated academic integrity management system that brings together AI‑assisted detection, investigation workflows, policy compliance and institutional reporting.The engagement also supports plans to strengthen academic governance and advance a unified, One UWI approach to academic integrity across its multi‑campus environment, the UWI said.A UWS delegation visited The UWI Mona Campus from April 23–28, 2026 in a visit coordinated by The UWI Office of the Board for Undergraduate Studies (OBUS), and engaged faculty, professional staff, students and policymakers through a programme of public lectures, demonstrations, capacity‑building workshops and student‑focused sessions.The programme culminated in a presentation of the newly adapted UWI version of IntegraGuard, a reflection on next steps, and networking events to strengthen institutional and international partnerships.According to Professor Canute Thompson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies,“The UWI’s participation in the IntegraGuard Proof‑of‑Concept Project, is aimed at deepening our commitment to safeguarding academic standards while proactively addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.Thompson continued Moreover, we are continuously strengthening our position as a regional and global leader in integrity‑driven higher education and supporting the development of graduates who are not only digitally literate, but also ethically grounded.”Dr Stephen Langston, creator of IntegraGuard and team lead for the UWS visit, said “UWS is proud to be collaborating with the premier university in the Caribbean to further refine IntegraGuard, which will redound to the benefit of both institutions”.This engagement comes at a particularly opportune moment for The UWI, as it continues its system‑wide digital transformation.The regional university recently completed its Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework, which serves as a guide to ensure that AI is used responsibly, ethically and in alignment with academic values across all campuses.In addition, the UWI also recently established an AI Institute at the St Augustine Campus, dedicated to addressing the Caribbean’s unique development challenges by fostering innovation, sustainable growth and regional collaboration through artificial intelligence.