RAISE 5: Rules for AI Scholastic Engagement
Developed by National University faculty to help students navigate the use of AI to support learning. The framework establishes clear guidelines for how and when AI can be used in coursework.
The Future of Learning
As AI (artificial intelligence) rapidly becomes part of everyday life, you may already be using it to brainstorm ideas, research topics, organize information, or solve problems. As a student, knowing when and how to use AI to support learning while still meeting course expectations isn’t always clear.
That’s where RAISE 5 comes in. Developed by National University faculty, the Rules for AI Scholastic Engagement (RAISE 5) framework gives students and instructors a shared understanding of when and how AI can support the learning process.
Prepare for the future of learning with NU’s responsible AI guidance.
RAISE 5 is NU’s five-level system that defines when AI is restricted, when it can support your work, and when it can be fully integrated into the learning process.
AI Guidance Levels
Level 5
AI tools are not allowed during assignment preparation, drafting, quizzes, or production of your final work. You may use basic spellcheck in your word processor only.
Level 4
AI use is limited to programs such as Grammarly for sentence structure, tense agreement, spelling, word choice, and polishing final drafts.
Level 3
AI use is permitted but limited to ideation, information gathering, generating ideas to start, general content area research, writing assistance, and image suggestions, but AI content cannot make up any portion of the final draft.
Level 2
AI may support multiple stages of the assignment process, including brainstorming, co-writing, creating images or infographics, and developing the final draft.
Level 1
AI is intentionally used as part of the assignment to provide examples, instruct, derive information, acquire large amounts of information for analysis, and practice intentional use of prompts to generate media.
The Story Behind RAISE 5
As artificial intelligence reshapes education and the workplace, National University is committed to preparing students to use AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively. RAISE 5 (Rules for AI Scholastic Engagement) is a practical framework, developed by university leaders and faculty experts, that protects academic integrity, sets shared expectations, and keeps human judgment at the center of learning.
The GAiIT (Generative Artificial Intelligence Integration Threshold) framework, RAISE 5’s predecessor, was developed in 2024 by a team of National University educators and AI practitioners led by Dr. Torrence Temple, academic program director for the Single Subject Credential Program and an expert in educational applications of AI.
Working alongside Dr. Temple were:
- Dr. Nilsa Thorsos, Department Chair of Teacher Education
- Dr. Belle Booker-Zorigian, Course Lead
- Dr. Valerie Amber, Course Lead
- Dr. Maggie Broderick, Academic Program Director for Social Emotional Learning
- Dr. Cynthia Shubert, Academic Program Director for the Multiple Subject Credential Program
- Colin MB Cooper, behavior specialist, AI advocate, and consultant
The RAISE 5 Team
Dr. Torrence Temple
Academic Program Director for the Single Subject Credential Program
Dr. Nilsa Thorsos
Department Chair of Teacher Education
Dr. Belle Booker-Zorigian
Course Lead
Dr. Valerie Amber
Course Lead
Dr. Maggie Broderick
Academic Program Director for Social Emotional Learning
Dr. Cynthia Shubert
Academic Program Director for the Multiple Subject Credential Program
Colin MB Cooper
Behavior specialist, AI advocate, and Consultant
Together, they brought diverse perspectives in education, leadership, instructional design, and emerging technology.
Created to set transparent expectations for AI use in coursework, the model was first piloted inside NU’s Sanford College of Education. There, it guided AI use across more than 50 teacher education courses, ensuring students experienced consistent expectations from one class to the next. The framework’s success quickly attracted the attention of Dr. Robert Lee, dean of the Sanford College of Education, who recognized its potential to benefit learners across the university. With support from university leadership and the NU Cabinet, President and CEO Dr. Mark Milliron championed the expansion of the framework beyond teacher education.
That proactive leadership earned national recognition. In May 2026, the framework was highlighted in the EDUCAUSE Horizon Report: Teaching and Learning Edition as a standout higher education model for AI governance and implementation.
Today, RAISE 5 gives National University students, faculty, and staff the guardrails and guidance they need to use AI responsibly in the classroom and beyond. By promoting ethical decision-making and encouraging practical innovation, the framework reflects National University’s commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and long-term career readiness.
How RAISE 5 Supports Our Students
National University is committed to preparing students for the future of learning by embracing AI innovation while protecting academic integrity.
Know What’s Allowed Before You Start
Every assignment includes a defined guidance level, giving students and instructors a shared understanding of AI expectations.
Get Clarity on Every Assignment
A more consistent approach across courses means fewer surprises and clearer expectations throughout your program.
Use AI Strategically and Responsibly
Formalized guidance helps you understand when AI can support your work and when your own thinking should lead.
Develop Future-Ready Skills
Hands-on experience with emerging AI technologies can prepare you for modern academic and professional environments.
NU’s Commitment to Responsible AI Learning
“AI isn’t just a new tool — it’s the latest evolution in a long history of technologies that have expanded our collective intelligence. From writing and the printing press to email and web 1.0, each one changed not just how we transmit knowledge but how we create it. AI has the potential to do something more dramatic than any of those shifts. But it also carries an equal capacity to erode learning if we’re not intentional. RAISE 5 is our answer to that challenge — a framework that helps students learn about AI, learn with AI, and learn alongside AI with the guardrails that keep human judgment and growth at the center.”
Dr. Mark Milliron
President and CEO, National University
