Michael Colaresi, PhD
Associate Vice Provost for Data Science and
William S. Dietrich II Professor of Political Science
Kristin Kanthak, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science and
Vice President of the University Senate
Shelome Gooden, PhD
Professor of Linguistics and
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research in the Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Related Fields
Abstract: Artificial intelligence, including generative AI, does not necessarily present an existential threat to human consciousness or a global threat to the human labor force. Nevertheless, its use may present a threat to the goals and values of higher education, "the University"–namely, the values traditionally believed to advance the production of accurate knowledge, to encourage creative endeavors, and to inform the education of young minds. At a very practical level, the cost of providing access to GenAI tools to all members of the university community would draw resources from other endeavors.
Efficiencies and time-saving promised by GenAI use may shift expectations of the productivity of faculty and staff, and create a prisoner's dilemma problem for those who would resist its use. Some uses of GenAI by learners may undermine their development of basic skills and acquisition of bodies of knowledge. At the same time, attempts to curb the use of GenAI might be thought to constrain academic freedom on the part of faculty. Attempts to prevent students from using GenAI may seem a futile arms race of detection, violation, detection, ... repeat. Different disciplines and different academic units are likely to be affected differently by these expectations, access, use, and costs related to GenAI. This panel will discuss these issues at the intersection of GenAI and academic values.
The panel session will run from 1 – 2:15 pm. From 2:15 – 3 pm, there will be an option to participate in discussion.
Sponsored by the Sara Fine Institute and the Research, Ethics and Society Initiative
Location and Address
Online