University introduces +AI academic initiative

Washington University in St. Louis has launched a universitywide academic initiative called +AI to balance artificial intelligence tools with the institution's commitments to student formation, knowledge development and discovery. The initiative is led by Provost Mark D. West. A faculty leadership team includes Betsy Sinclair, assistant vice provost for digital transformation and chair of political science, Jen Smith, vice provost for educational initiatives, Nathan Jacobs, assistant vice provost for digital transformation, and Peter Boumgarden, assistant vice provost at Olin Business School. The effort works closely with the university's Digital Intelligence and Innovation Accelerator to expand work in the digital domain and shape related policy. Chancellor Andrew D. Martin said the challenge is to ascertain the appropriate fit of AI in the research and educational mission. The initiative seeks to fuel student success, transform teaching and learning, accelerate research and support the region while acknowledging challenges AI will create for students, the institution and society. Since the launch, a new undergraduate learning module titled AI Literacy for the WashU Scholar has been introduced for self-enrollment or class assignment. Gemini for Education and NotebookLM have been added to university-supported generative AI tools on the Danforth Campus, with ChatGPT Edu forthcoming. Copilot is available to the full community. The AI Curriculum Corps has launched to support faculty in developing AI-integrated assignments and courses, with proposals due by March 30. Faculty insight groups have formed to identify opportunities for future planning. The university will host +AI Perspectives Week the week of March 23. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, will speak on AI's influence on graduates and the job market. Sessions and forums will explore the role of AI in higher education. West said new technologies arrive faster than institutions are ready. The approach at WashU centers inquiry, discovery and human judgment rather than alarm or unexamined enthusiasm.