Brown University Professor Highlights AI Cheating Concerns in Academia

Brown University economics professor Roberto Serrano criticized the institution’s slow response to a significant AI-related cheating issue. Serrano detailed the problem in an op-ed for The Free Press. He stated that after a campus shooting in December, he moved his exams online, leading to an unexpected increase in enrollment from 30 to 86 students. The result was a notable inflation of midterm grades, with an average of 96 compared to previous years’ 65 to 80. Forty students scored perfectly, with answers resembling ChatGPT’s responses.

Serrano decided to revert to in-person exams for the finals. He said that midterm scores would not stand if they did not match the final exam averages. Consequently, 59 students attended the final, averaging a score of 48.6, with the highest at 95. Twenty-seven students, including 22 with perfect midterm scores, dropped the course.

Serrano attempted to alert Brown University and The Brown Daily Herald, but said he received no recognition until the issue went viral later. He emphasized the importance of addressing academic dishonesty, writing, “Academia is supposed to be one of our great beacons of truth. We cannot afford to tolerate or reinforce such appallingly low moral values among many of our best young minds.” He warned that failing to address cheating would only encourage it.

Brown University claimed it had been responsive, stating that academic leaders contacted Serrano in May 2026 to discuss adjudicating his claims. By July 8, the necessary details were provided, allowing the Standing Committee on the Academic Code to proceed.

Serrano’s account was shared with El Pais and Inside Higher Ed. Shortly after these publications, Brown University committed to an investigation. Serrano expressed gratitude for the investigation but believed it wouldn’t have happened without publicity. He argued that AI needs integration in education without undermining the university’s mission.

In his op-ed, Serrano dismissed claims that students used AI to alleviate pressure. He described their actions as deliberate cheating, with some aiming for perfect scores. Serrano stated that AI had made cheating easier and stressed that proper incentives are necessary to guide better behavior.