Susquehanna University is one of 124 higher education institutions selected by the American Association of Colleges and Universities to participate in the inaugural Institute on AI, Pedagogy and the Curriculum.
The initiative aims to help academic institutions navigate and respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, participating teams will define AI initiative goals, create measurable action plans, stay abreast of AI innovations and policies, and create evidence-based models for education and curriculum development.
“We are excited to join our colleagues in the institute’s first cohort and engage in a more substantive way with the challenges and opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for higher education,” said Provost Dave Ramsaran. “Our participation will inform how we can leverage the potential of AI to improve the academic, administrative, and student experience, and our faculty will bring back approaches that we can pass on through the Center for Teaching and Learning and other venues to increase our effectiveness in leveraging of AI.”
Susquehanna associate professor and physics department head Carl Faust said he looks forward to expanding perspectives beyond platforms like ChatGPT and instructing students on how to evaluate when to use AI.
“Integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom removes barriers that prevent students from building essential skills and allows them to focus on what they need to learn,” said Faust. “The liberal arts skills students develop at Susquehanna – analytical, critical thinking and problem solving – are the skills they need to determine whether an AI-produced result is credible. Combining artificial intelligence with their deepening critical mindset will best prepare them for the future.”
Faust, who is Susquehanna’s team leader, is joined by Jennifer Carter, assistant professor of physics at Susquehanna’s School of Natural and Social Sciences; David Imhoof, professor of history at Susquehanna’s School of Humanities; James Pomykalski, associate professor and department head of finance and analytics at Susquehanna’s Sigmund Weis School of Business; and Erik Viker, professor and department head of theater at Susquehanna’s School of the Arts.