RENO, Nev. — The University of Nevada, Reno is set to introduce “Pack AI,” an initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) across its campus to enhance the educational experience for both students and faculty.
Brian Sandoval, President of the University of Nevada, Reno, emphasized the importance of AI in modern life. “Artificial intelligence is a huge part of our lives and will continue to be a huge part of our life’s industry, you know, hiring, the new economy, all of those things. So we want our students to be prepared,” said Sandoval.
The “Pack AI” initiative is designed to provide students with a competitive boost in their studies while equipping faculty with the resources to incorporate AI into their teaching. As part of the pre-semester “Nevada Fit” program, all incoming freshmen and transfer students will participate in an AI module focusing on the use of AI in coursework, ethics, and academic integrity.
“We want our students to learn about ethics of AI and obviously we want them to use it in a good way and so it will be part of the classroom,” Sandoval said. He added, “Regardless of what major you are in this campus, you will be exposed to artificial intelligence.”
Current students at the university have expressed excitement about the initiative, with hopes that it will not be misused. Alexandra McLanahan, a senior at UNR, said, “I would say that it’s better that we’re accepting and educating because then hopefully we can turn some of the misuse into productive conversations about AI and how to actually use AI.”
Campbell Dedmon, another senior, noted the relevance of AI in the business world. “I think it’s important and it’s definitely something that we’re going to be seeing more in the business world specifically. So I think teaching freshmen how to use it and when not to use is just, I’m sure that’s what UNR is doing,” Dedmon said.
Sandoval highlighted the university’s pioneering role in AI education. “We are the flagship university in the state of Nevada, and we are the first institution that really has come out with a really important program and imperative to really promote artificial intelligence as part of our curriculum,” he said.
The “Pack AI” initiative has been in development for some time, with collaboration from researchers and efforts to prepare professors for AI integration in their teachings. Classes for the fall semester begin on Monday, August 25.
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