Leading in Higher Education Amidst AI

A recent survey by Inside Higher Ed and Generation Lab found that nearly all college students say they know how and when to use AI for their coursework, which they attribute largely to faculty instruction or syllabus language. [1,200 words]

The Chronicle Review asked 15 scholars and academic administrators about how generative AI has transformed higher education over the past 18 months. [8,700 words]

At the time of this writing, there is an artificial intelligence arms race among the world’s largest technology companies. Even in the shadow of our most optimistic AI forecasts, we stand at an AI inflection point, one that raises a host of questions that extend far beyond labor relevance. And, if learning in a time of AI is just as important as learning in wartime, how shall we learn? [1,500 words]

What is generative AI doing to us? That’s a question on everyone’s minds, driven by the fear that the technology is damaging our ability to think. The internet exploded when researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology released a study which showed lower neural connectivity among people using the tool than among people who weren’t using it, producing a fresh round of stories and social-media posts asking if AI is making us dumber. [3,400 words]

Two years after ChatGPT's arrival, colleges are strategically incorporating generative AI across curricula, viewing it as a foundational, game-changing technology. Institutions are debating AI literacy for students, revamping majors, and developing faculty fluency. Some are creating secure "walled gardens" for experimentation without contributing to AI training data. [3,900 words]

This report synthesises insights generated across two days of open debates, panel discussions, live polling, and keynotes. Conversations were transcribed, organised into key themes, and analysed to identify key patterns, examples, challenges, and recommendations raised by participants. [12 pages]

The impact of AI on college students is a widely discussed topic, with arguments ranging from revolutionizing to destroying learning. Despite initial anecdotal focus, research is beginning to emerge. Data shows widespread AI use (like ChatGPT) among students, with adoption rates varying globally, but generally averaging between 50% and 67%. [2,600 words]

Since ChatGPT's 2022 release, generative AI's impact on higher education has evolved from focusing on academic integrity to exploring its potential to enhance teaching, learning, and research. Institutions are now prioritizing governance and nuanced discussions around the ethical and societal risks, including data security, inaccuracy, and bias, with many forming task forces and forging tech partnerships. [55 pages]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of higher education, impacting how students learn, how faculty teach, and how institutions operate. This report summarizes the findings of recent surveys that explored AI usage, AI competencies, and attitudes toward AI among students and faculty in higher education settings. The surveys included in this report were conducted in 2024 and 2025, providing a snapshot of the current state of AI in higher education and offering insights into its potential future. [2,400 words]

A 2025 survey of 1,041 undergraduates found AI use surged to 92%, with 88% using it for assessments. Students use GenAI primarily to explain concepts and save time. While 18% include AI-generated text, concerns about misconduct and false results persist, especially among women. A widening digital divide was also noted. [12 pages]

Since the latest version of ChatGPT launched last fall, there has been a lot of discussion about students using AI tools and the potential effects this will have on education....But what about the other side of the equation? It’s common knowledge that companies are using AI tools to evaluate applicants’ resumes, so are educational institutions doing the same? In September, Intelligent.com surveyed 399 education professionals with an in-depth knowledge of their schools’ admissions processes. [1,800 words]

A study analyzed GenAI guidelines from the top 50 U.S. universities using mixed methods. Topics included Integration, Media, Security/Ethics, and Academic Integrity. Sentiment was highly positive, but varied between faculty and student guidelines. 94% had faculty guidelines emphasizing course-specific policies and addressing privacy/integrity. [24 pages]

The article guides Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on strategically addressing Generative AI. It explores AI's influence on mission, organization, and leadership through four questions. Findings indicate responsible AI adoption is a new strategic objective, requiring visionary leadership and policies emphasizing transparency, responsibility, and critical thinking. [48 pages]

This paper explores AI's potential to boost student engagement, grounded by survey and interview data. It argues that academic leaders are central to guiding AI innovation, focusing on decisions like resource allocation and policy. Effective leadership in AI integration can foster a more responsive learning environment, increasing student motivation and success. [13 pages]

This study compared LLM-assisted, search engine, and no-tool essay writing via EEG and NLP analysis. LLM users showed the weakest neural connectivity and lowest self-reported ownership, indicating potential cognitive costs and under-engagement. Over time, LLM users consistently underperformed. The findings raise concerns about the long-term educational reliance on large language models. (206 pages)

This mixed-methods study used an AUT test to assess ChatGPT-3's impact on college students' creative thinking skills (flexibility, fluency, elaboration, originality). Results suggest careful AI integration is needed; it can support creativity but also negatively affect creative confidence. The findings aim to help instructors guide AI use for creative growth. [7 pages]

This global survey of 1217 HE participants across 76 countries examined GenAI usage, benefits, and concerns from a multicultural view. Respondents showed high awareness and use, mainly for retrieval and paraphrasing. Findings emphasize responsible integration, noting that cultural dimensions correlate with views on benefits, concerns, and the need for ethical, responsive policies. [29 pages]

A conversation with Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University. Jennings emphasizes AI's potential for personalized teaching, real-time student feedback, and streamlining administrative tasks outside the classroom. He also highlights AI's role in boosting research efforts and advises against banning the technology, instead advocating for experimentation and fair-use guidelines.

The founder of Khan Academy and Khanmigo believes AI can deliver the personalized instruction students need, while freeing up teachers to do what they do best. [2,200 words]

What does it mean to teach and learn in the age of generative AI? Join host Jeff Young as he talks with educators, tech leaders and students, aiming to cut through the hype and inform a conversation about how education can adapt to AI — and about what kinds of learning need protecting amid the AI gold rush. [multiple episodes]

This series of Voices of Student Success focuses on the use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education and how technology can support student success goals.
Central New Mexico Community College is deploying a new AI-powered predictive analytics tool, CampusLens (https://www.campusworksinc.com/campus...) , part of CampusWorks, to improve data visibility in student retention, early alerts and career outcomes.
In the latest episode of Voices of Student Success, Tracy Hartzler, president of Central New Mexico Community College, discusses the risks with taking on new tools, the college’s approach to change management and the need for more responsive data. [29 minutes]

Jeff Young shares clips from his Learning Curve Podcast regarding AI in higher education on episode 598 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. [38 minutes]

Colleges must adapt degrees and programs as the job market is reshaped by AI. The discussion will cover how liberal arts, community, and research institutions are integrating necessary AI skills, literacies, and ethical awareness for student success. The focus is on institutional roles, faculty adjustment, and answering audience questions. [60 minutes]