Economics Professor at Brown University Reports Widespread Cheating Using AI

Jun 28, 2026

AI Summary

Roberto Serrano, a professor at Brown University, has identified significant cheating in his class, with at least 50 students suspected of using AI during a midterm exam. He calls for a serious discussion on academic integrity in light of the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in education.

Roberto Serrano, a professor of economics at Brown University, has reported evidence of cheating in his class, ECON 1170, during a midterm exam in March, involving at least 50 students.
The average score for the midterm was unusually high at 96 out of 100, raising suspicions of fraud, particularly as some answers matched results generated by AI tools like ChatGPT.
Following the incident, Serrano received minimal response from university officials, prompting him to advocate for a broader debate on academic integrity and the implications of AI in education.
To address the issue, Serrano plans to eliminate take-home exams and adjust grading policies to prevent further cheating.
The incident highlights a growing concern among elite universities regarding the impact of AI on academic standards and integrity, as other institutions like Princeton have also revised their exam policies in response to similar challenges.

academic integrityai fraudeducationbrown universityethics

Economics Professor at Brown University Reports Widespread Cheating Using AI

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