# Maryland Students Grapple With AI Cheating

> AI cheating spikes at Maryland colleges as students rely on tools for learning.
- Title: Maryland Students Grapple With AI Cheating · The Banner
- Summary: AI cheating spikes at Maryland colleges as students rely on tools for learning. Maryland colleges report rising AI-related honor code violations as students…
- Keywords: maryland, college, honor code, cheating, university of maryland, generative ai, students, news, local, Grapple, The Banner
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/education/higher-education/maryland-college-students-ai-cheating-SJCYFRJ67NDT5MRKPO52J7PPQE
- Author: Ellie Wolfe
- Published: 2026-09-24T09:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: maryland, ai, college, honor code, cheating, university of maryland, generative ai, students, news, local
## Students use AI for essays
Jameel Kiburi, a senior engineering major, says he now struggles to write essays without ChatGPT.

> I've definitely become more reliant on it
## AI cheating rises
Six of Maryland's 12 public colleges reported more AI honor code violations in 2025-26 than 2023-24.
## Honor code violations underreported
Dorothy Leidner, an AI ethics professor, says cheating with AI is now a 'way of life' for students.

> It's more than just a temptation now for students, it's a way of life
## University of Maryland cheating
AI violations at University of Maryland College Park increased from 120 to 208 in 2023-24 to 2025-26.
## AI guidelines at colleges
Maryland universities share guidelines for using AI in classrooms with disclosure and attribution requirements.
## Professors adapt to AI
Siv Lie, an ethnomusicology professor, redesigned assignments to reduce AI cheating opportunities.

> I try to make assignments that are really based on stuff we've only talked about in class
## Students use AI for learning
Laurencia Aparin says her information science classes use AI frequently for assignments and study.

> I feel like it depends on the major
## AI environmental concerns
Aparin worries AI causes more harm and reduces critical thinking.

> It's causing more harm for people, and making people think less
## No students disciplined
None of the interviewed students knew anyone disciplined for AI cheating.
## Professors get stricter
Kiburi says professors are getting stricter but students find workarounds for AI use.

> Most professors were lenient in the beginning, but now they're getting stricter with it
## What happens next
Universities will continue balancing AI use with academic integrity as cheating rates rise.
## Key takeaway

Maryland colleges report rising AI-related honor code violations as students increasingly use generative AI for coursework.