As artificial intelligence continues to transform the global education landscape, the University of the Free State (UFS) is stepping boldly into the conversation. On 9 March 2026 from 18:00 – 20:00, the Bloemfontein campus will host a compelling public lecture titled “Assessment After ChatGPT: A Practical Integrity Framework for Schools and Universities”. The event will also include a hybrid component, extending participation beyond the physical venue.

Generative AI tools are rapidly reshaping how learners and students write, research, and engage with knowledge. While these technologies present exciting opportunities, they also raise urgent questions about academic integrity and the future of assessment. Rather than reacting with fear or rigid enforcement, this lecture invites educators to rethink assessment in ways that are practical, ethical, and forward-looking.

A global perspective on a local priority

The session will be led by Prof Mike Perkins, an internationally recognised authority on Generative AI and assessment. With extensive experience supporting institutions worldwide, Prof Perkins advocates for moving beyond traditional “catch and punish” approaches, which are increasingly unsustainable in the age of AI.

Instead, he proposes a model rooted in clarity, transparency, and pedagogy.

From policing to purpose: The AI Assessment Scale

At the heart of the lecture is the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) - a practical five-level framework designed to guide responsible AI use in assessment. The AIAS empowers educators to redesign tasks, set clear expectations for student engagement with AI, and maintain academic integrity while actively building AI literacy.

Participants can expect actionable strategies that bridge innovation and integrity - ensuring that AI becomes a tool for learning enhancement rather than a threat to academic standards.

A sector-wide invitation

This event is aimed at teachers, academics, support staff, and students, from schools, FET colleges and universities in and around Bloemfontein. Given the national and international relevance of AI in higher education - and UFS’s strategic focus on assessment integrity and innovation in teaching and learning - broad participation is strongly encouraged.

As AI evolves, so too must our educational practices. This lecture offers more than discussion; it provides a roadmap for navigating assessment in a rapidly changing academic world.

The lecture will also feature Prof Johann Rossow from the Faculty of Humanities as a respondent, enriching the conversation with interdisciplinary insight and critical engagement.

 Click here to register for the public lecture.