Read the official statement from your Student Officer team regarding the proposed changes to Turnitin's EULA.
Aston Students’ Union is aware of, and takes seriously, the concerns raised by students regarding Turnitin and the way in which academic work submitted through the platform may be stored, processed, retained and potentially used beyond the purposes for which it is submitted.
We understand why this matters to students. The work you submit represents your own ideas, research and hard work. You should be able to trust that your work is handled responsibly, that your rights are respected, and that you are given clear information about what happens to it.
Since these concerns were brought to our attention, we have been engaging directly with Aston University to ensure that students' interests are fully represented in ongoing discussions. We have sought clarification on the implications of the changes, the protections that apply to student submissions, and how students' rights and academic work will continue to be safeguarded.
The University has reassured us that it shares our commitment to protecting students' academic work and to ensuring that student data is handled appropriately. We understand that discussions with Turnitin are continuing within the University's existing contractual arrangements, which means that some aspects of those discussions cannot currently be shared in detail.
We have been informed that Turnitin has postponed the introduction of its proposed new End-User Licence Agreement (EULA) until September 2027 while it works with UCISA and institutions across the sector to review the wording and address questions that have been raised. We welcome this additional period for consultation and scrutiny.
We have also been advised that Turnitin has stated that no student or staff data has been used to develop generative artificial intelligence systems or large language models, and that it has no plans to use student essays for these purposes. While this reassurance is important, we recognise that students will continue to want clarity regarding how their academic work is stored, processed, accessed and protected.
At this stage, we are satisfied that the University recognises the concerns raised by students and is actively engaging with the issue. We have been assured that questions relating to privacy, transparency and the protection of academic work are being taken seriously, and that student interests remain central to ongoing discussions.
The Students' Union will continue to engage constructively with the University throughout this process. We will continue to raise the questions students have asked us, seek further clarification where needed, and advocate for transparency around how academic work is handled and protected.
If you have concerns or questions about Turnitin or the use of your academic work, please continue to share them with us. Your experiences help us represent you effectively and ensure that students’ voices remain central to this conversation.
Aston Students’ Union will continue to stand up for an assessment system that protects academic integrity while respecting students’ intellectual work, privacy and trust.
Abdul Momin Mian
President (Education & Quality)
Aston Students’ Union