Washington University in St. Louis has launched a new initiative called +AI, aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its academic framework. This universitywide program is designed to enhance student success, transform teaching, and accelerate research while addressing the challenges posed by AI technologies.
Leading the initiative is Mark D. West, the university’s Provost, who emphasizes the importance of balancing AI’s capabilities with the creativity and expertise inherent in the academic community. The initiative recognizes that while AI holds remarkable potential, it cannot replicate the unique talents and guiding values of educators and students.
Chancellor Andrew D. Martin articulated the transformative influence of AI on higher education, stating, “AI has the power to influence and disrupt higher education in the unpredictable ways only digital technologies can.” He added that the goal of the +AI initiative is to thoughtfully integrate AI into the university’s educational mission, ensuring that it complements rather than replaces human intellect.
To spearhead this initiative, West has assembled a faculty leadership team that includes Betsy Sinclair, assistant vice provost for digital transformation; 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. This group is collaborating closely with the Digital Intelligence and Innovation (DI2) Accelerator, which is responsible for enhancing the university’s digital capabilities and shaping policies as AI technology evolves.
The +AI initiative has already seen significant progress since its launch. A new learning module, “AI Literacy for the WashU Scholar,” was introduced to provide undergraduate students with a foundational understanding of generative AI. This module helps students critically evaluate and responsibly use AI technologies. Faculty members can either assign it as part of their curriculum or allow students to self-enroll.
In addition, the university has expanded its suite of AI tools for academic use. Tools such as Gemini for Education and NotebookLM are now available to students and staff, with plans to introduce ChatGPT Edu soon. The comprehensive accessibility of these tools aims to support the academic community in integrating AI into their work effectively.
The AI Curriculum Corps has also been established to assist faculty in creating AI-integrated assignments and courses, with a call for proposals open until March 30, 2024. Faculty insight groups are forming to identify future opportunities and considerations for AI within academic settings.
As part of the initiative, Washington University will host +AI Perspectives Week starting on March 23, 2024. The event will feature discussions on AI’s impact on graduates and the job market, including a keynote address by Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic. Various sessions and forums will be conducted by campus partners to explore AI’s evolving role in higher education.
West highlighted the urgency and importance of a measured approach towards AI, stating, “New technologies often arrive faster than institutions are ready, and AI is no exception. At WashU, our task is to react neither with alarm nor unexamined enthusiasm, but with inquiry and a sense of discovery.” He underscored the need to examine how AI changes learning, expands research, and challenges existing assumptions, all while ensuring alignment with human values.
Through the +AI initiative, Washington University aims to navigate the complexities of AI integration thoughtfully, enhancing its educational landscape while prioritizing the core principles that define its academic community.
