The University of Portland is launching an Ethical AI Initiative starting in the 2025-26 academic year, incorporating AI into six courses, including Dr. Natalie Nelson-Marsh’s ‘Future of Work’. This initiative promotes ethical assessment of AI’s impact, preparing students across various disciplines for an AI-saturated workforce. Dr. Valerie Banschbach and university leaders emphasize the importance of AI literacy and ethical considerations in education.
This fall, the University of Portland introduces AI as a key element in Dr. Natalie Nelson-Marsh’s ‘Future of Work’ class. Starting in 2025-26, the Ethical AI Initiative will integrate six diverse courses, prompting students to critically assess AI’s influence on the workforce they will soon enter, rather than simply using these tools for assignments.
The Ethical AI Initiative includes Dr. Hannah Highlander’s course on Ordinary Differential Equations, which encourages upperclassmen to reflect on the ethical aspects of mathematical modeling in machine learning. This thoughtful approach spans several disciplines, including business analytics and the broader societal impacts of AI. Dr. Nelson-Marsh emphasizes the importance of fostering understanding in students about AI’s role in shaping organizational culture, empowering them to use these technologies responsibly.
Dr. Valerie Banschbach, Dean of UP’s College of Arts and Sciences, notes that UP is leading the way by offering an Ethical AI Initiative amid a growing trend in higher education. This initiative aims to develop well-rounded individuals who can navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world through ethical education.
“By incorporating AI tools with ethical considerations, we’re providing students with vital AI literacy,” Banschbach states. The program is designed to spark conversations about the ethical usage of these powerful technologies, enhancing learning experiences across the board.
The initiative underscores UP’s dedication to innovative curriculum and critical dialogue regarding AI. Reinforcing this commitment, UP hosted a national conference focused on the intersection of Catholic education and AI, with plans for a second conference scheduled for October.
The University of Portland’s Ethical AI Initiative is set to revolutionize the way students engage with AI by prioritizing ethical considerations across its diverse curriculum. By fostering critical examination of AI’s societal and organizational impacts, UP is preparing students to use these technologies responsibly and effectively. This pioneering approach positions UP as a leader in ethical education regarding artificial intelligence, shaping the future workforce with a strong ethical foundation.
Original Source: www.silicon.co.uk
