February 12, 2026
Providence College's Student-Run Newspaper Since 1935
by Dr. Christine Earley on February 12, 2026
As leaders of the Providence College Ryan School of Business, we read the Feb. 5 opinion piece, “Concerns About Alleged AI Usage at PC’s Business School,” in The Cowl, and we feel compelled to respond.
Academic integrity is the bedrock of our institution; without it, the value of a PC degree is diminished for every student and all alumni. We wish to state, unequivocally, that the School of Business does not tolerate academic dishonesty in any form, and we consider the allegations with the gravity they deserve.
Upholding the standard of excellence that defines a Friar education is a collective responsibility. It is a commitment that must be shared by administrators, faculty, staff, and the students themselves. To that end, we wish to remind the community of the expectations set forth in the PC academic catalog, as cited by the student handbook:
“Students are expected to understand this policy and to exercise diligence in following it. They are to take credit only for work that they have completed through their own efforts within the guidelines established by the instructor. When aware of an instance of academic misconduct, students are expected to notify the instructor, department chair, or the appropriate school dean, depending on where the academic department or program offering the course is housed. In their notification, students may choose whether or not to reveal the name of the person committing the violation.”
We expect the highest level of enforcement of college policy from each member of the PC community. However, we can only act when we are properly informed of these matters. We are committed to a culture where integrity is not an option, but a requirement.
It is important for students to understand that specific issues of cheating are managed through a formal, comprehensive investigation, and, when appropriate, a disciplinary process under the leadership of the Office of Academic Affairs. This process ensures that allegations are investigated thoroughly and that justice is administered fairly and consistently for each member of our community. Even though this process does not reside with us, we firmly believe in the process and understand our responsibility to ensure that it is followed effectively.
In response to the ever-evolving landscape of technology, such as generative AI, we have taken proactive measures to uphold the integrity of our assessments. Our goal is to ensure that every student is truly meeting the learning objectives of our courses and programs. While some may argue for a universal return to specific modalities—and while pencil-and-paper exams remain a personal preference for many of us—we must recognize that such methods may not always be the most effective way to measure mastery in every discipline or situation.
Furthermore, we must address the practicalities of technology-based enforcement. Currently, lockdown browser licenses are limited due to significant costs and are still undergoing evaluation for effectiveness by the School of Business faculty. As such, those browsers are not a universal tool for enforcement. However, we continue to evaluate all available resources to safeguard our curriculum and assessments.
We are a community built on mutual respect and the pursuit of Veritas. Our doors remain open to students, faculty, and staff who wish to share feedback, concerns, or innovative ideas regarding navigating these ever-evolving integrity challenges.
Additionally, in the coming weeks and months, we will be hosting open listening sessions to hear from the community. Moreover, the School of Business will be administering its regular climate assessment survey. We encourage your participation in these opportunities, as we welcome your comments and suggestions.
The best path forward is through collaboration and a shared commitment to progress. We believe in our students, and we expect them to believe in the value of their own honest work.
Sincerely,Dr. Christine EarleyInterim Dean, Providence College School of BusinessProfessor of AccountancyJoseph A. Gemma ’75Senior Associate Dean, Providence College School of BusinessAssistant Professor of Management
