NEWS RELEASE
October 23, 2026
OUSA Releases Policy Paper Titled “Artificial Intelligence”
TORONTO - The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) is excited to release the Artificial Intelligence policy paper, approved by OUSA’s Spring 2026 General Assembly. This paper was developed, written, and ratified by undergraduate students in response to the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on students’ academic experience. It outlines concerns and student-driven recommendations to advance responsible, equitable, and accountable use of AI in post-secondary education.
“As artificial intelligence use becomes increasingly common in post- secondary education, students are facing new uncertainties around academic integrity, accessibility, and institutional accountability,” said Aisha Mahmoud, Vice President, Education at McMaster Students’ Union. “ Without strong policies and safeguards, AI use risks creating new barriers and reinforcing existing inequities in higher education.”
In this paper, students identify numerous concerns with AI use in post-secondary education. This includes inconsistent institutional policies and inadequate provincial oversight. Students also face risks from uncertainty about permissible use, false accusations from AI detection tools, and a lack of transparency around the collection of their data and academic work. The paper also highlights equity concerns with AI use in admissions and other academic decisions due to algorithmic bias. Students also identify a lack of information regarding the environmental impact of institutional AI use.
To address these concerns, students recommend developing institutional AI policies through collaborative consultations and strengthening provincial legislation, oversight, and transparency requirements. Recommendations also include expanding AI literacy training, strengthening human oversight and review processes, and improving funding to ensure equitable access to required AI technologies. Together, these measures aim to ensure AI enhances post-secondary education while protecting students and supporting academic quality.
“AI may have the potential to support learning and research, but its use must be guided by measures to protect students,” said Racheal Reddy, Commissioner of External Affairs at Queen’s Alma Mater Society. “Students shouldn’t have to decide between keeping up with emerging technologies and equitably accessing high-quality education. By mandating stronger protections and ensuring students have a meaningful role in shaping institutional policies, Ontario can help ensure this technology benefits students.”
This policy paper and its recommendations were developed by students at OUSA’s member schools. It was passed on March 8th, 2026, during OUSA’s Fall General Assembly. To read it, click here!
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About: OUSA represents the interests of 160,000 professional and undergraduate, full-time and part-time university students at nine student associations across Ontario. Our vision is for an accessible, affordable, accountable, high-quality, and equitable post-secondary education in Ontario.
Contact:
Tobi Olumurewa
Manager of Communications
Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance