Message from Provost Cyril Clarke: Guidance and information on ChatGPT, generative AI tools

The emergence of ChatGPT and similar generative AI tools has become a topic of conversation over the past several weeks for faculty and academic departments. As we continue to learn more about this technology and how it is evolving, it is important to take an objective and informed approach to evaluating the possible pedagogical and ethical impacts of generative AI and how these tools might affect our assessment of student learning outcomes.

As an academic community, we need to gain a better understanding of ChatGPT and similar generative AI tools in order to determine if it is appropriate to include them among our teaching and learning resources. To that end, TLOS has developed guidance and recommendations for faculty who want to learn more about ChatGPT/generative AI and suggestions for evaluating potential impacts on course instruction. I encourage you to review this information and have open discussions with your colleagues as to the potential benefits and challenges associated with this technology.

Academic faculty will bear the primary responsibility for making decisions on how or if the use of generative AI tools by students is acceptable in their individual courses. They will be supported in these decisions and provided access to the latest information and guidance. TLOS will post updates and additional resources on their website as they become available.

Thank you for your ongoing attention to and feedback on this new technology. I hope you will continue to discuss this topic and share your perspectives on how ChatGPT/generative AI may impact our approach to educating our students and preparing them for their future careers.

Cyril