Tulane committees make recommendations on AI integration across campuses
Tulane University is mapping out a visionary path for integrating AI into its academic and research endeavors, including providing comprehensive training and support for faculty, encouraging the use of new artificial intelligence tools in teaching, and addressing ethical concerns related to the use of AI.
The AI in Classroom Committee and the University Committee on Generative AI (GenAI) in Research were convened last fall by Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Robin Forman in response to President Michael A. Fitts’ call to examine how AI can and should best be applied to advance the mission of the university.
"Tulane is positioned to leverage the power of AI in ways that benefit the university and society as a whole, both now and in the future."
Tulane President Michael A. Fitts
The commmittee’s recommendations aim to redefine the university’s approach to AI by offering a comprehensive strategy that encourages faculty to embrace new ways of teaching and prepares students for the use of AI in the classroom and beyond.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education, bringing with it the promise of an unprecedented increase in academic potential and research productivity that can change and even save lives. Tulane is positioned to leverage the power of AI in ways that benefit the university and society as a whole, both now and in the future,” President Michael A. Fitts said.
The AI in Classroom Committee focused on how to incorporate AI technology into educational practices, ensuring ethical and effective use to enhance learning. The committee was co-chaired by Toni Weiss, executive director of the Center for Engaged Learning and Teaching (CELT) and Mike Griffith, director of the Innovative Learning Center (ILC).
The University Committee on Generative AI (GenAI) in Research offered recommendations aimed at leveraging AI in research, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical considerations and innovation. The committee was chaired by Tulane Vice President of Research Giovanni Piedimonte and Vice President of Information Technology Noel Wong.
The recommendations from both committees are currently being considered by university leadership for implementation. To view the full list of recommendations, visit the AI at Tulane website.
"These two committees, both of which included representation from each of our academic schools, present exciting overviews of the role that AI can play in enhancing the student and faculty experience,” Forman said. "I was pleased to see the thoughtfulness and breadth of their analysis as they explored the far-reaching potential of AI with a clear eye towards the many questions - practical, operational, moral and legal - that must be addressed along the way."
