Trend Update: Generative AI Use at Member Colleges and Universities

Last month, we surveyed presidents and chancellors at HLC member institutions on their use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Of those who completed the survey (66), 74% confirmed that their institution uses generative AI. Those who said their institution isn’t using this technology gave various reasons for opting out: they are still exploring/investigating its uses, have other priorities, or lack trust or don’t see value in its use. 

What is AI?   

There are different types of AI: 

• Machine AI (Narrow AI): The most common form of AI is designed to solve one single problem and is able to execute a single task well.  
• Generative AI (General AI): This AI has a human-level of cognitive function, across a wide variety of domains such as language processing, image processing, computational functioning and reasoning, and so on. 
• Super AI: Not achieved as of yet, this would be able to surpass all human capabilities, including decision making, taking rational decisions, and even includes things like making better art and building emotional relationships. 

Member Experience 

Institutions currently use generative AI in areas of academics, communication, recruitment and student support services. In addition, some presidents use it for marketing, data analytics and brainstorming. 

We asked presidents to identify potential positive impacts of using generative AI. Of the options provided, task automation was the most common positive impact selected. However, presidents saw a positive impact in each option we provided — reduction in human error, available 24X7, faster decision making, providing inspiration for student work, and personalized responses with readily available information. In addition, presidents identified other positive effects of generative AI: reduction in research efforts related to administrative tasks, increased efficiency, and content creation. 

There was concern about the use of generative AI in higher education related to biased results, security risks, and students cheating. Additional concerns raised included costs of implementation, erosion of truth and complacency in presuming the accuracy of results. 

The survey asked presidents what they are hearing from students about AI. They reported that generative AI helps students access information, sparks imagination and improves collaboration among students. Small, rural colleges are not seeing students engage with AI yet. Others reported student concerns about the implications that generative AI has on the arts. 

When asked about HLC’s role in supporting members in relation to generative AI, there were numerous comments noting the helpfulness of providing best practice examples and professional development on this topic. There were requests for HLC to provide information about how it is being used as well as information on the positive and negative impacts of the technology. HLC also received comments that HLC should have no role in supporting members in relation to generative AI. 

Thank you to those of you who provided information on your use of generative AI. HLC will continue to follow this trend in the months ahead.