{"id":4183,"date":"2026-04-20T21:38:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T21:38:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/?p=4183"},"modified":"2026-04-20T21:52:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T21:52:02","slug":"airoundtables","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/2026\/04\/20\/airoundtables\/","title":{"rendered":"AI Roundtables: What I Heard and What Comes Next\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dear\u00a0WestConn\u00a0Community,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before anything else, I want to acknowledge something directly.\u00a0Some 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 a\u00a0concern;\u00a0it was hurtful.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I am sorry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I understand more clearly now how those choices were experienced, and I take that seriously.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As a result, we are taking the following steps:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;134225954&quot;:true,&quot;134225961&quot;:true,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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 and\u00a0system\u00a0office.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;134225954&quot;:true,&quot;134225961&quot;:true,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I will also limit my own use of generative AI, particularly in ways that intersect with the university\u2019s public presence.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">A<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s I shared previously (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/2026\/04\/11\/apersonalnote\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/2026\/04\/11\/apersonalnote\/<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">), 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, and\u00a0work more directly with our student artists and creators, whose work should be central to how we\u00a0represent\u00a0WestConn.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">During this time,\u00a0I also had the opportunity to meet with students and members of our campus community in nine conversations about AI at\u00a0WestConn. Most of those who\u00a0participated\u00a0were 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That matters, and\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0something we will address.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I want to thank\u00a0each of\u00a0you. You showed up with honesty, passion, and care for this place. That was clear in every conversation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I also want to thank\u00a0Joshua Sumrell, Director of Inclusion and Belonging,\u00a0for helping\u00a0facilitate\u00a0these conversations and for thoughtfully capturing themes and insights across all sessions. His leadership helped ensure these were spaces where students felt heard.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Below is a summary of the feedback we heard.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A Desire to Stay Human and Connected:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Across 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 to\u00a0remain\u00a0a community grounded in relationships, authenticity, and trust.<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There is a desire for\u00a0WestConn\u00a0to continue to\u00a0feel personal. To feel real. To be a place where communication reflects people, not processes, and where connection is not replaced by convenience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Importance of Creative Work and Identity:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Students in the arts, in particular, spoke\u00a0with clarity and conviction about their work.\u00a0Creative\u00a0expression is not just a task or an output. It is deeply personal. It reflects time, effort, growth, and identity.<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When AI is used in creative spaces, especially in visible or public ways, it can feel like\u00a0that work\u00a0is being replaced or overlooked.\u00a0For some, it raises questions about the value of their education and the future of their fields.<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is not just about preference. It is about purpose.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI as a Tool,\u00a0Not\u00a0a Substitute:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At the same time, there was not a rejection of AI altogether.\u00a0Many of you\u00a0acknowledged\u00a0that it can be helpful, especially when used to organize ideas, support learning, or improve efficiency.\u00a0What I heard clearly is a distinction:\u00a0AI can be a tool that supports thinking.\u00a0It should not replace thinking.\u00a0There is a desire to learn how to use these tools responsibly, without losing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills that define a\u00a0WestConn\u00a0education.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inconsistency and Uncertainty Across the University:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another 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.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clarity matters here, and we have work to do.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ethical and Broader Impacts:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some of the conversations moved beyond the classroom and into larger questions about ethics and impact.<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Students raised concerns about how AI systems are built, how they use existing work, and what that means for ownership and fairness.\u00a0Others spoke about environmental impact, including the energy and water demands of data centers, and how that aligns with\u00a0WestConn\u2019s\u00a0commitment to sustainability.\u00a0Some also raised concerns about over-reliance on AI and its potential impact on learning, confidence, and mental well-being.\u00a0These are not easy questions, and they are not limited to\u00a0WestConn.\u00a0But they are important, and they are part of how we think about our role as an institution.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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 to\u00a0identify\u00a0it in writing, music, and visual work. This is not just about\u00a0policy,\u00a0it is about education.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A Desire to Be Involved and Contribute:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What stood out just as much as the\u00a0concerns\u00a0was the willingness to help.<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many of you expressed interest in being part of the solution, especially when it comes to\u00a0showcasing\u00a0student work, contributing to university communications, and helping shape how AI is used here.<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What This Really Comes Down To:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Taken together, these conversations are about more than AI.<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They are about identity,\u00a0trust, and\u00a0what it means to learn, to create, and to belong at\u00a0WestConn.\u00a0They 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These themes are not just\u00a0reflections;\u00a0they are shaping how we move forward, both in immediate actions and longer-term guidance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What Comes Next<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These nine meetings were an important starting point, but they are not\u00a0the full\u00a0conversation.\u00a0Because 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 beyond\u00a0and our faculty and staff.\u00a0I 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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 will\u00a0encounter\u00a0in their careers. Our responsibility is to hold both truths at once.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thank you again for your honesty, your advocacy, and your care for\u00a0WestConn.\u00a0This is what a strong, thoughtful academic community looks like.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sincerely,<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jesse<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear\u00a0WestConn\u00a0Community,\u00a0 Before anything else, I want to acknowledge something directly.\u00a0Some 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 &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":429,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wds_title":"","_wds_metadesc":"","_wds_focus-keywords":"","_wds_meta-robots-adv":"","_wds_meta-robots-noindex":false,"_wds_meta-robots-nofollow":false,"_wds_meta-robots-index":false,"_wds_meta-robots-follow":false,"_wds_autolinks-exclude":false,"_wds_canonical":"","_wds_opengraph":[],"_wds_twitter":[],"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/429"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4183"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4183\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4183"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}