In a move that brings to light the significance of artificial intelligence in education, Quinnipiac University officials in August announced the establishment of a committee focused on AI strategy.

Provost Debra Liebowitz, highlighting the news in her fall 2023 update, said the committee will “explore and make recommendations about the practical, ethical and innovative uses and implications of AI.”

The committee is composed of three subcommittees ranging from AI teaching and learning, curriculum and services and operations.

The subcommittees will collaborate with students, faculty, staff, administrators and external advisors and trustees, to ensure that the recommendations align with the university’s mission and values. Together, the subcommittees will, among other things, evaluate the role of AI at Quinnipiac, make recommendations about AI integration and address responsible use concerns associated with the technology.

Following the release of popular AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, faculty and administrators alike are learning how to deal with artificial intelligence in the classroom.

“I actually have them use it explicitly in my classroom,” said Jonathan Blake, professor of computer science and director of software engineering. “It doesn’t take very long before the complexity of the programs go past the ability of a generative AI to produce them.”

Blake suggested viewing AI as a tool — and taking it with a “grain of salt.”

“Its power and its efficacy kind of changes discipline by discipline,” Blake said. “It tends to produce results that aren’t 100% correct.”

Sebastian Salazar, a first-year computer science major, agreed that students should at times be able to use AI generation academically.

“It makes sense to allow AI, because in the future, jobs are going to start using AI for really anything,” Salazar said. “So, giving us the option to use AI in our projects or labs makes sense.”

Blake argued that Quinnipiac administrators “need to be ahead of the curve” — proactive rather than reactive — in terms of artificial intelligence use.

“The question for us in academia is how can we actually make sure you guys are the ones most attracted for jobs in this new economy?” Blake said. “We’re working on a minor in AI designed for making sure that Quinnipiac students remain at the top.”

This endeavor is another step for Quinnipiac to stay at the forefront of innovation while ensuring that AI is used as a benefit for students and administration. The committee has set a deadline to report its findings and recommendations by Feb. 15, 2024.