LEXINGTON, Ky. \u2014 University of Kentucky students will begin classes next week with an enhanced focus on artificial intelligence literacy and ethics.<\/p>\n
The university is expanding its work through the Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy, known as CATS AI. The initiative is designed to give students and faculty resources and guidance for navigating a world where AI is becoming more common in classrooms and workplaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the University of Kentucky, we take very seriously the promise and the challenges that the rapid and uneven development of AI represents,\u201d said Trey Conaster, director of UK\u2019s Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.<\/p>\n
UK announced a partnership with Microsoft earlier this year, as well as a bachelor\u2019s degree in artificial intelligence<\/a>. More than 30 students have enrolled in the program this fall. A university spokesperson said the school is encouraged by this number, saying it “achieved before the college had the benefit of a full undergraduate recruiting cycle, which gives us a lot of optimism about the program\u2019s future growth.\u201d<\/p>\n Conaster said the university\u2019s broader AI efforts are focused on helping students and faculty have clear conversations about how AI should be used.<\/p>\n \u201cThey crave open conversations and clear guidance from their instructors and that\u2019s what we\u2019re working on doing here,\u201d Conaster said.<\/p>\n The push comes as large studies from Gallup<\/a> and the University of California<\/a> show a majority of students use generative AI. A small percentage of students, about 9%, in the California study admitted to using AI to cheat.<\/p>\n UK professors are encouraged to include an AI policy<\/a> in each syllabus. If AI is allowed, faculty can use a scale<\/a> that explains which parts of an assignment may permit AI use at certain levels.<\/p>\n California researchers have cautioned that a blanket ban on AI would not stop cheating and could harm students\u2019 job prospects if AI proficiency becomes expected in the workplace.<\/p>\n Conaster said the university is trying to balance academic integrity with the possibility that employers may ask for AI-related skills.<\/p>\n \u201cStudents are looking forward to jobs and they want to make sure they\u2019re competitive and they develop the skills they need and they\u2019re not shortchanging themselves,\u201d Conaster said.<\/p>\n