Project Description

How to cite and acknowledge information gathered using generative AI tools

Updated 17 November 2025.

The University of Macau supports the responsible use of generative AI for teaching and learning. Exploring the uses of generative AI, e.g., ChatGPT, etc., can advance our educational journey but students must also understand the risks and appropriate uses of these tools.

What should students include in an assignment that made use of generative AI?

According to UM’s ‘Guidelines on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools’, students must acknowledge the use of GenAI in all assignment submissions (written, spoken or otherwise) and indicate how GenAI has been used. All submissions, written or otherwise, should be accompanied by any or all of the following statements, as appropriate.

1. I acknowledge the use of [name of AI tool(s) and hyperlink] to generate materials for background research and independent study.​

2. I acknowledge the use of [name of AI tool(s) and hyperlink] to generate materials that I have adapted to include in this submission. ​

3. I acknowledge the use of [name of AI tool(s) and hyperlink] to help me copy-edit and/or proofread my writing in this submission.

How should students cite content developed or generated by artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT?

General referencing guidelines have been issued by the main style guides, e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago, etc. Note that the information in those guides may change as AI evolves.

Citing generative AI in APA Style: Part 1—Reference formats (updated September 9, 2025)

In-text citation: (AI Company Name, year)
Reference: AI Company Name. (year, month day). Title of chat in italics [Description, such as Generative AI chat]. Tool Name/Model. URL of the chat

Examples:

Reference list (APA, 7th ed.)

In-text citations:

    • Parenthetical: (DeepSeek, 2025; Google, 2025)
    • Narrative: DeepSeek AI (2025) and Google (2025)

How to cite generative AI in Chicago style (updated March 7, 2023)

In-text citation: (ChatGPT, March 7, 2023)
1. ChatGPT, response to “Explain how to make pizza dough from common household ingredients,” March 7, 2023, OpenAI.

From the Chicago Manual of Style Online

“You must credit ChatGPT when you reproduce its words within your own work, but unless you include a publicly available URL, that information should be put in the text or in a note—not in a bibliography or reference list.”

How do I cite generative AI in MLA style? (Updated and Revised) (updated August 13, 2025)

MLA in-text citation: (“Describe the symbolism”)
MLA Works Cited entry “Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald” prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.