As institutions in higher education grapple with the changes brought about by generative artificial intelligence (GAI), we seek to confront the challenges and opportunities brought about by these technological innovations and their impact on our educational mission. That mission remains enabling students to become independent, responsible, and thoughtful individuals through a liberal arts education. Shaping how our mission will be impacted by AI is our responsibility as an institution, and it is incumbent upon faculty and staff to help our student body navigate the complicated ethical implications surrounding AI in higher education, guided by our shared values.
When working with generative artificial intelligence, we believe that people must remain in control and at the center of their academic processes and work outputs. It is fundamental that we frame the use of these tools around human-centered values and that students view GAI as assistive tools to support the learning process rather than as shortcuts to avoid critical thinking and developing the skills that they will need to succeed in their lives and careers. Concerns about the impact of GAI to inhibit students’ cognitive development are legitimate, as are other critical views regarding AI’s energy consumption, privacy and data concerns, inherent biases of GAI, and challenges to intellectual property rights. At the same time, we recognize the potential benefits of GAI technology, including the potential to assist students with learning differences or other barriers to learning.
The college’s AI Advisory Group, led by the Provost’s Office, will review AI policies and resources each academic year and recommend updates as needed, consistent with our shared values and based upon changes to AI technology.