How Assessment is Being Redefined in the Age of AI

The University of Sydney’s strategic shift to AI-aware assessment design

Generative AI is reshaping the higher education landscape, challenging traditional assessment methods and prompting universities to rethink how they evaluate learning. The University of Sydney (USYD) has taken a bold, future-focused step – shifting its policy to assume the use of AI in unsecured assessments while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

In partnership with Akari, USYD has embedded AI-aware assessment design into institutional policy, curriculum review processes, and benchmarking frameworks.

The result is a scalable, structured approach that safeguards integrity, aligns with national quality standards, and prepares graduates for a world where AI is integral to professional and academic life.

What You’ll Learn

• Two-Lane Assessment Model – How USYD is balancing secured assessments with integrity safeguards and unsecured assessments that embrace AI use.

• Embedding AI-Awareness into Policy and Process – See how assessment categories, course review processes, and benchmarking have evolved.

• Data-Driven Quality Assurance – Learn how enhanced curriculum data models capture AI-specific elements to inform compliance and innovation.

• Alignment with National Standards – Understand how the approach meets TEQSA guidance for trustworthy, contextualised assessments.

• Cultural Shift in Assessment Design – Explore how USYD is fostering innovation, trust, and collaboration between staff and students in an AI-enabled world.