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DearÌýWestConnÌýCommunity,Ìý

Before anything else, I want to acknowledge something directly.ÌýSome of the criticism I heard over the past two weeks was about my own use of generative AI, particularly on social media and in connection with the inauguration. For some students, especially those in our Visual and Performing Arts programs, this was not just aÌýconcern;Ìýit was hurtful.Ìý

ÌýI am sorry.

ÌýI understand more clearly now how those choices were experienced, and I take that seriously.Ìý

ÌýAs a result, we are taking the following steps:Ìý

• The university will no longer use creative materials created using generative AI. This approach will remain in place while we work toward more formal, campus-wide guidance through our shared governance processes andÌýsystemÌýoffice.Ìý

• I will also limit my own use of generative AI, particularly in ways that intersect with the university’s public presence.Ìý

As I shared previously (/president/2026/04/11/apersonalnote/), some of my use of these tools has been personal, a way for me to express ideas or emotions creatively and quickly. That does not change the impact it had. Moving forward, I will be more thoughtful, provide clearer context, andÌýwork more directly with our student artists and creators, whose work should be central to how weÌýrepresentÌýWestConn.Ìý

ÌýDuring this time,ÌýI also had the opportunity to meet with students and members of our campus community in nine conversations about AI atÌýWestConn. Most of those whoÌýparticipatedÌýwere students from our Visual and Performing Arts programs, so while these discussions were incredibly valuable, they do not yet reflect the full range of perspectives across our university.Ìý

That matters, andÌýit’sÌýsomething we will address.Ìý

I want to thankÌýeach ofÌýyou. You showed up with honesty, passion, and care for this place. That was clear in every conversation.Ìý

I also want to thankÌýJoshua Sumrell, Director of Inclusion and Belonging,Ìýfor helpingÌýfacilitateÌýthese conversations and for thoughtfully capturing themes and insights across all sessions. His leadership helped ensure these were spaces where students felt heard.Ìý

Below is a summary of the feedback we heard.ÌýÌý

A Desire to Stay Human and Connected:ÌýAcross every conversation, there was a strong and consistent message about the importance of human connection. Many of you expressed that your concern is not simply about technology, but about what it means for us toÌýremainÌýa community grounded in relationships, authenticity, and trust.ÌýThere is a desire forÌýWestConnÌýto continue toÌýfeel personal. To feel real. To be a place where communication reflects people, not processes, and where connection is not replaced by convenience.Ìý

The Importance of Creative Work and Identity:ÌýStudents in the arts, in particular, spokeÌýwith clarity and conviction about their work.ÌýCreativeÌýexpression is not just a task or an output. It is deeply personal. It reflects time, effort, growth, and identity.ÌýWhen AI is used in creative spaces, especially in visible or public ways, it can feel likeÌýthat workÌýis being replaced or overlooked.ÌýFor some, it raises questions about the value of their education and the future of their fields.ÌýThis is not just about preference. It is about purpose.Ìý

AI as a Tool,ÌýNotÌýa Substitute:ÌýAt the same time, there was not a rejection of AI altogether.ÌýMany of youÌýacknowledgedÌýthat it can be helpful, especially when used to organize ideas, support learning, or improve efficiency.ÌýWhat I heard clearly is a distinction:ÌýAI can be a tool that supports thinking.ÌýIt should not replace thinking.ÌýThere is a desire to learn how to use these tools responsibly, without losing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills that define aÌýWestConnÌýeducation.Ìý

Inconsistency and Uncertainty Across the University:ÌýAnother theme that came through strongly was inconsistency. Students described very different expectations depending on the class, the department, or the instructor, including how faculty are using AI in teaching, assignments, grading, and assessment. In some spaces, AI is discouraged or prohibited. In others, it is encouraged or required. This creates confusion. It raises questions about fairness. And it makes it difficult to understand what the university truly expects or values in this moment.ÌýClarity matters here, and we have work to do.Ìý

Ethical and Broader Impacts:ÌýSome of the conversations moved beyond the classroom and into larger questions about ethics and impact.ÌýStudents raised concerns about how AI systems are built, how they use existing work, and what that means for ownership and fairness.ÌýOthers spoke about environmental impact, including the energy and water demands of data centers, and how that aligns withÌýWestConn’sÌýcommitment to sustainability.ÌýSome also raised concerns about over-reliance on AI and its potential impact on learning, confidence, and mental well-being.ÌýThese are not easy questions, and they are not limited toÌýWestConn.ÌýBut they are important, and they are part of how we think about our role as an institution.Ìý

There was also a clear call for more shared understanding. Students asked for clearer definitions of generative AI, more guidance on how to use it responsibly, and opportunities to learn how toÌýidentifyÌýit in writing, music, and visual work. This is not just aboutÌýpolicy,Ìýit is about education.Ìý

A Desire to Be Involved and Contribute:ÌýWhat stood out just as much as theÌýconcernsÌýwas the willingness to help.ÌýMany of you expressed interest in being part of the solution, especially when it comes toÌýshowcasingÌýstudent work, contributing to university communications, and helping shape how AI is used here.ÌýThere is pride in what you do. And there is a clear desire to see that work reflected in how we present ourselves to the world.Ìý

What This Really Comes Down To:ÌýTaken together, these conversations are about more than AI.ÌýThey are about identity,Ìýtrust, andÌýwhat it means to learn, to create, and to belong atÌýWestConn.ÌýThey are also about how we prepare for a world where AI will continue to grow, while holding on to the values that define who we are.Ìý

These themes are not justÌýreflections;Ìýthey are shaping how we move forward, both in immediate actions and longer-term guidance.Ìý

What Comes NextÌý

These nine meetings were an important starting point, but they are notÌýthe fullÌýconversation.ÌýBecause many of these perspectives came from students in the arts, we need to expand this dialogue to include voices from across the university, including STEM, business, education, health sciences, and beyondÌýand our faculty and staff.ÌýI will be working with the Provost, Deans, Student Government Association, and faculty through shared governance to continue this work, including developing clearer guidance and expanding opportunities for education and dialogue.Ìý

We pride ourselves on the strength of our arts programs and the creativity of our students, and we also recognize that AI is a technology our students willÌýencounterÌýin their careers. Our responsibility is to hold both truths at once.Ìý

Thank you again for your honesty, your advocacy, and your care forÌýWestConn.ÌýThis is what a strong, thoughtful academic community looks like.

Sincerely,
JesseÌý