Colleges weigh AI’s place in teaching and campus life
Higher education is confronting AI’s effects on teaching, assessment and campus work. Economist Tyler Cowen urges colleges to pair extensive AI use with rigorous independent writing and student-led experimentation, including AI-run courses in his proposed model. At UC Berkeley, mathematics professor Richard Borcherds says widespread AI use has led him to stop grading homework for correctness as he sees no point.
Other contributors stress caution: learning researchers say evidence of AI’s benefits remains limited and recommend protecting students’ own thinking when designing activities. A librarian argues students need critical guidance as AI enters research tools and published information. One opinion writer proposes using AI to reduce administrative work before teaching is considered for automation.
Computer-science majors fall as AI reshapes higher education
U.S. computer-science programs lost about 53,000 majors last academic year, continuing a downturn after years of rapid growth, The Chronicle of Higher Education reports. The article says past enrollment slumps eventually gave way to larger rebounds, but this cycle differs: AI is changing the field and reducing some entry-level programming jobs even as demand grows in cybersecurity, data science and advanced computing.
Colleges are adjusting by creating interdisciplinary degrees that pair computing with subjects such as linguistics, engineering and the arts. The shift matters because computing skills remain relevant beyond programming careers, while selective admissions and enrollment changes could affect who gets access to those programs. Experts cited in the article say AI will require deeper computing expertise.
Quote of the Day
I cannot imagine … figuring out how to raise a newborn without ChatGPT.
Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, TechCrunch
Dartmouth provost resigns after review of AI use
Dartmouth Provost Santiago Schnell resigned and is leaving the college after a faculty review found that his use of artificial intelligence in academic and opinion writing violated publication rules and Dartmouth standards. The committee also found he failed to disclose AI use as required and was not forthcoming, according to the Chronicle’s account of the review.
Schnell had said he wrote his drafts and used AI for editing, clarity and organization; he also raised concerns that detection tools may be biased. Earlier reports described the investigation and debate over disclosure, including Dartmouth’s review process, student and faculty backlash, and similar campus controversies. President Sian Beilock said history professor Matthew Delmont will serve as interim provost through June 2028. The case puts transparency and consistent AI rules at the center of higher education’s debate over responsible use.
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