First came the introduction of artificial intelligence tools and principles; now comes the examination of how faculty can use AI to shape teaching, learning, research and assessment.
Just before the new academic year got underway, more than 100 Siena faculty members participated in a two-day series of AI workshops on September 1-2. Building on introductory workshops offered in May, faculty took part in advanced sessions on AI literacy and LLM Notebook.
“Preparing our students for the future means preparing them not only how to use artificial intelligence, but to use it ethically and responsibly” said Provost Chris Farnan, Ph.D. “Our faculty play a critical role in helping students understand when and how AI can enhance their learning and professional work, while preserving integrity, creativity, and above all human connection.”
The programming also featured library faculty-led sessions on AI in student and faculty research. Faculty panels from all three schools explored pedagogy, curriculum development, assessment, assignment redesign and academic integrity.
The work reflects Academic Affairs’ charge to prepare faculty and students to “use AI effectively and responsibly while advancing the distinctly human purposes of a Franciscan liberal arts education,” according to Farnan.
In his message to the Siena community on the opening day of the academic year, President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D. reiterated the University’s commitment to teaching students about the ethical use of AI.
“Siena students will graduate with a strong grasp of AI technology, but more importantly the moral grounding needed to be leaders in a changing workforce,” he wrote. “Meanwhile, our administrative teams are exploring best practices for using AI in daily operations, empowering our valued staff and increasing time spent on mission critical work.”
Education on AI will continue throughout the fall. Associate Professor of Education Christine Dawson, Ph.D., and Teaching Assistant Professor Jill Hogan, Ph.D. will participate in an AAC&U workshop series on Teaching with AI and will replicate that professional development for Siena faculty. In October, Academic Affairs will send a working team to AAC&U’s inaugural Conference on AI and Higher Education in Atlanta to identify promising institutional practices and recommend next steps for Siena’s University-wide AI strategy.