How AI Has Begun Changing University Roles, Responsibilities

Inside Higher Ed

Lauren Coffey

February 13, 2024

Artificial intelligence is beginning to impact jobs and policies within universities as adoption of the technology grows, a new study finds.

More than half (56 percent) of those surveyed said they have new responsibilities related to AI strategy, according to Educause, a nonprofit focused on education and technology. Most of those experiencing the change are executives (69 percent), followed by managers and directors (66 percent), staff (46 percent), and faculty members (39 percent).

“Above and beyond the other risks [with AI], the risk to our workforce is they’re already overworked and now we’re asking them to do extra things,” said Jenay Robert, a senior Educause researcher. She cautioned against adding more responsibilities without changes in job titles or descriptions.

“It’s an important finding in terms of supporting the workforce,” she said. “Codify the role in people’s jobs so they know what to expect.”

Educause’s first “AI Landscape Study” focuses on the impact of the increasingly pervasive technology. The study polled 910 people who work at universities, surveying them in November and December.

Its findings delved into new topics: namely, how—or if—AI is shaking up faculty members’ jobs, both in the work they are doing and how they use the technology.

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