This study explores non-English major students’ perceptions of the ethical use and plagiarism risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in academic writing at Thu Dau Mot University. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into higher education, concerns about academic integrity, authorship, and originality have intensified. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, data were collected from 108 students through questionnaires and from six participants via semi-structured interviews. Quantitative findings revealed that a majority of students acknowledged the importance of ethical AI use and expressed support for clearer institutional guidelines and teacher training on responsible AI integration. However, uncertainty persisted regarding the ethical boundaries between legitimate assistance and academic misconduct. Qualitative data reinforced these findings, highlighting students’ awareness of AI’s dual role in enhancing writing skills and posing plagiarism risks, particularly through diminished creativity and loss of personal voice. The study underscores the need for localized policies, updated plagiarism regulations, and pedagogical strategies to guide responsible AI use in EFL writing contexts.

Plagiarism is a very common problem in many universities. A lot of students plagiarize unconsciously because they don't understand the concept. The study will clarify the concept of plagiarism, as well as ways for universities to help their students avoid the habit of plagiarism. The aim of this study is to explore Thu Dau Mot University Students Knowledge about the seriousness of Plagiarism; Find out the most common types of plagiarism committed by students; Analyzing and finding out the possible common reason a student unintentionally commits plagiarism. In terms of purposes of the study, to answer the research question and based on the background of previous studies, in this study, one hundred students in different majors - Freshman students to senior students are taken as samples. The results of this study showed that the majority of students are aware of plagiarism and the consequences of plagiarizing, plagiarism is fairly common on campus and students are aware of it. The study indicates that plagiarism does exist at Thu Dau Mot University and students are willing to take the risk of plagiarizing, regardless of knowing that it is unacceptable. It also confirms that plagiarism is common amongst students across all departments at Thu Dau Mot University, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam.