Understanding student perception of AI in higher education is no longer a matter of academic curiosity; it is a pedagogical necessity. As these tools become deeply integrated into the research and writing workflows of the "AI-native" generation, a significant gap often emerges between institutional policy and actual classroom practice. By actively listening to student voices, educators can move beyond reactive "detect-and-punish" cycles to create proactive, ethical frameworks that address real student concerns—such as the fear of losing critical thinking skills or the anxiety of being falsely accused by imperfect detection algorithms. Ultimately, grounding course design in the reality of the student experience ensures that AI serves as an equalizer for accessibility and productivity rather than a source of academic friction or division.