A top US university bans students from using AI, laptops, and phones

University of Chicago students will read paper materials and be prohibited from using AI, laptops, and phones in some courses to cultivate independent thinking.

The University of Chicago's Division of Social Sciences outlined a new ban in an August memo, according to The Chicago Maroon. This regulation, which took effect in the fall semester, applies to core social science courses within the undergraduate curriculum.

Specifically, students are prohibited from using laptops, phones, smartwatches, or other wearable technology to record lectures. They must complete all assignments independently without artificial intelligence (AI), except for tasks involving data set analysis or citation lookups, which require instructor approval.

"The goal is to train students in the ability to read, write, and think independently without relying on AI", stated Jenny Trinitapoli, the division dean, in the memo.

Professors are not exempt from these rules. They are prohibited from using large language models to assist with grading, unless a thorough evaluation is conducted and publicly disclosed to students. Any professor wishing to apply technology during class must report it and receive approval before the first day of classes.

The university will also design these courses following a traditional model, as reported by Inside Higher Ed. Students will read paper materials and primarily access knowledge through direct, instructor-led discussions, completely without electronic devices.

The decision garnered significant support from faculty, many of whom expressed weariness regarding AI's "intrusion" in the classroom.

Aaron Jakes, an associate professor of history, told The Chronicle of Higher Education that he felt "relieved and pleased" by the move. He noted that students were using AI not only for homework but also to prepare comments for in-class discussions. Jakes believes a comprehensive ban is necessary to foster positive discussions about the proper use of technology.

Sarah Hammerschlag, a professor of religion and literature, observed that in the social sciences, AI misuse can hinder students' development of analytical and writing skills. Last semester, she experimented with a "technology-free" classroom, which resulted in "remarkable" student engagement.

This is not the first time the University of Chicago has tightened technology use. Last July, the university's Law School banned all personal devices for first-year students, including laptops, tablets, and phones, according to The Print.

President Paul Alivisatos stated this initiative is a significant effort to prepare students for rapid technological changes without allowing technology to erode independent thinking.

The University of Chicago currently ranks 6th in the US, according to US News' 2026 rankings.