STC alumnus Fernando Benavides graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in Computer Information Technology in 2021. Now, as the Information Technology Operations Manager for Texas Workforce Solutions, Benavides said the priority the BAT-CIT program places on\u00a0AI\u00a0in its courses enabled him to incorporate the technology used by the organization to help job seekers.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou may already know that Workforce Solutions uses an\u00a0AI\u00a0tool that helps those looking for jobs to create resumes and help in their search, and that\u2019s just one example, others are using\u00a0AI\u00a0to help them manage their 401K retirement plans. So, the truth is,\u00a0AI\u00a0is not the future because it\u2019s already here,\u201d Benavides said. \u201cIt\u2019s no surprise that STC is taking advantage of this perfect moment to begin implementing all these tools at their disposal, within the right parameters and the right controls in place, because it is only going to enhance the learning potential for all students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Campos said integrating\u00a0AI\u00a0into its divisions and programs is more than just a mandate, it has been designated as an institutional priority in the college\u2019s 2025-2031 Strategic Plan, which calls for the creation of programs and degrees using emerging technologies as well as the use of\u00a0AI\u00a0to maximize efficiency and streamline operations.<\/p>\n
To coordinate efforts across the college\u2019s divisions, STC has created an\u00a0AI\u00a0Task Force co-led by Campos and Christoper Nelson, Ph.D., dean of STC Liberal Arts, that also serves as a central point, guiding\u00a0AI\u00a0across all programs at the college.<\/p>\n
STC\u2019s\u00a0AI\u00a0Task Force will also coordinate the technology\u2019s use among faculty, which emphasizes a balanced approach to training and ethics.<\/p>\n
\u201cResponsible use means leveraging\u00a0AI\u00a0for support while still practicing foundational skills,\u201d Campos said.<\/p>\n
Leadership with the Division of Business, Public Safety and Technology (BPST) say they have recognized\u00a0AI\u2019s current and future relevance and have begun a year-long effort to assess its potential applications in programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know\u00a0AI\u00a0is already here to stay and we want to start embedding it into all of our programs. There really is potential everywhere,\u201d said BPST point of contact Joe Vela. \u201cWe decided to go all in on this. We know that the students of tomorrow are going to come in already using\u00a0AI\u00a0as a resource, and we want to make sure that we are utilizing it effectively in our curriculum. We want to show them that we have an answer for them, exemplifying expertise when it comes to\u00a0AI.\u201d<\/p>\n