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Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the landscape of higher education, compelling institutions to evolve in order to stay competitive. The University of Rochester recognizes that adapting to artificial intelligence means more than just integrating new tools; it demands a reconsideration of how learning takes place and how students are prepared for a technology-driven world. Faculty at the university stress the need to both embed artificial intelligence across curricula and foster the critical thinking required to navigate new challenges and opportunities.
In a recent roundtable, Rochester faculty experts—including senior leaders from the Simon Business School, computer science, and cognitive sciences—emphasized the dual imperative of preparing students with technical proficiency and equipping them to address new ethical and societal impacts. Mitch Lovett, senior associate dean and Benjamin Forman Professor of Marketing, alongside colleagues from information systems, academic support, and engineering, outlined how artificial intelligence is woven into both practical business applications and the ongoing transformation of research and industry demands. The panel highlighted the urgency for higher education to not only teach artificial intelligence as a subject but also to leverage it as a resource for innovation, creativity, and lifelong adaptability.
As artificial intelligence permeates more aspects of the workplace, graduates must be able to understand, evaluate, and harness these technologies for effective problem-solving. Faculty at the University of Rochester argue that higher education is uniquely positioned to provide experiential learning and multidisciplinary collaboration, crucial for future-proofing students’ careers. By fostering partnerships between business, engineering, and other fields, institutions can help individuals thrive amid automation, ensuring a workforce that is agile, knowledgeable, and ready for continuous technological change.
