Washington University in St. Louis has introduced a new academic initiative called +AI, aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into its educational framework. The initiative is designed to enhance student success, transform teaching methodologies, and accelerate research capabilities while addressing the challenges posed by AI technologies.
The initiative, spearheaded by Provost Mark D. West, emphasizes the importance of balancing AI’s capabilities with the university’s commitments to creativity, student development, and ethical values. “AI has the power to influence and disrupt higher education in unpredictable ways,” stated Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. He added that the challenge lies in determining how AI fits into the university’s mission and objectives.
The faculty leadership team for +AI includes notable figures such as 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 the Olin Business School. Together, they are tasked with advancing the initiative’s objectives in collaboration with the university’s Digital Intelligence and Innovation (DI2) Accelerator.
The +AI initiative has already made significant progress. A new learning module titled “AI Literacy for the WashU Scholar” has been launched, targeting undergraduate students. This module provides foundational knowledge for understanding and responsibly using generative AI. Students may opt to self-enroll, and faculty can incorporate it into their curricula.
Additionally, the university has expanded its suite of generative AI tools available on the Danforth Campus, introducing platforms such as Gemini for Education and NotebookLM, with ChatGPT Edu set to follow. The tool Copilot is accessible to the entire WashU community, enhancing collaborative learning opportunities.
To support faculty in integrating AI into their courses, the initiative has launched the AI Curriculum Corps, which is currently accepting proposals until March 30. Groups of faculty members are also forming to explore potential opportunities related to AI and contribute to future planning.
As part of the initiative’s rollout, Washington University will host +AI Perspectives Week beginning on March 23, 2024. This event will feature Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, discussing AI’s impact on graduates and the job market. The week will also include various sessions led by campus partners to further explore AI’s role in higher education.
Reflecting on the rapid evolution of technology, West remarked, “AI is no exception to the trend of new technologies arriving faster than institutions can adapt. Our goal is to approach this with a sense of inquiry and discovery.” He stressed the necessity of examining how AI changes learning processes, expands research opportunities, and challenges existing assumptions.
The +AI initiative at Washington University aims to not only embrace the potential of artificial intelligence but also to ensure its implementation aligns with the institution’s core values and mission. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, the university’s thoughtful approach to AI integration may serve as a model for others in the sector.
