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Marist + AI

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Image of the Marist AI logo. Image of Marist+AI logo. The Marist AI Steering Committee reflects our commitment to "look ahead, continuing our tradition of innovating, adapting, and evolving to serve the ever-changing needs of a complex world" as outlined in Marist 100. As an institution grounded in the liberal arts, we are uniquely positioned to evaluate AI's implications through ethical and humanistic lenses, ensuring its development and implementation align with our mission to foster productive, ethical, and enlightened lives in the 21st century.
 
Our approach emphasizes coordination and empowerment rather than centralized control. The committee will support the goals outlined in Marist 100 - enhancing academic vibrancy, centering student success, and fostering an expansive community - through targeted programming, ethical guidelines, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
 
Two specialized working groups will complement the steering committee's work: one focused on academic opportunities and challenges, and another examining administrative applications. Each group includes faculty, staff, and student representatives to ensure diverse perspectives as we navigate AI's rapid evolution in higher education.

Kevin Gaugler (co-chair), Professor of Spanish/Assistant Dean, School of Liberal Arts
Diane Hart (co-chair), Associate Vice President of Special Projects and Innovation
Haseeb Arroon, Director of Institutional Data, Research, and Planning
Ron Buckmire, Dean, School of Computer Science and Mathematics
Mike Caputo, Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer
Catherine Gunther Kodat, Provost and Dean of Faculty
Carolyn Matheus, Professor of Information Systems
Jeff Midgley, Physician Assistant Program Director/Clinical Associate Professor
Daryl Richard, Vice President of Communications and Marketing

The Academic Working Group, which includes faculty from each academic school, examines how AI can enhance teaching, learning, and research. The group will engage with the Marist community to understand perceptions, current use, and needs related to AI in academics, and identify best practices for generative AI. They will develop guidelines for responsible AI use in academic settings and contribute ideas to the multi-year vision for AI at Marist + AI, ensuring that these initiatives align with the college's commitment to academic vibrancy and student-centered learning. With input from the library for research support, educational assessment experts for evaluating learning outcomes, and digital learning platforms for implementing AI-driven tools, the group will assess AI's impact on academic practices and propose strategies for integrating AI into the curriculum. Their goal is to support faculty in adopting AI technologies, prepare students for a future shaped by AI, and ensure that these efforts uphold Marist's educational values. 

Carolyn Matheus (co-chair), Professor of Information Systems
Jeff Midgley (co-chair), Physician Assistant Program Director/Clinical Associate Professor
Rebecca Albitz, Dean, James A. Cannavino Library
Anna Blumenthal, Assistant Professor of Psychology
DooRi Chung, Senior Professional Lecturer of Fashion Design
Victoria Ferrara, Director of Educational Effectiveness Assessment
 Eitel Lauria, Professor of Data Science & Information Systems/ Director of Graduate Programs
Cara Messina, Assistant Professor of English
Julin Sharp, Assistant Vice President, Digital Learning Platforms & Technology
Owen Whelan '27, Student Representative
Anne Zahradnik, Associate Professor of Healthcare Administration

The Operations Working Group focuses on the administrative and operational integration of Marist + AI. This team includes representatives from enrollment services, infrastructure and cybersecurity, data science and analytics, human resources, enterprise solutions, and legal counsel. The group will audit current AI capabilities, uses, and expenditures in college operations, identifying areas with potential for AI integration. These efforts will inform Marist's operational strategy and lead to the development of guidelines for responsible AI use in administrative processes and the workplace. They will also recommend AI sandbox solutions and provide a proof-of-concept implementation strategy for staff training, while contributing to the multi-year vision for AI at Marist + AI. By implementing AI in a strategic and ethical manner, with careful consideration of potential impacts and ongoing evaluation, this group aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of college operations while ensuring data privacy and security are maintained. 

Haseeb Arroon (co-chair), Director of Institutional Data, Research, and Planning
Mike Caputo (co-chair), Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer
Eileen Bardney, Executive Director of Enrollment Services
Jay DeDapper, Director of Strategy and Innovation
Brian Gormanly, Senior Professional Lecturer of Computer Science
Jessica Macias, Senior Financial Analyst - Budget, Planning, and Analysis
 JP Montross, Director of Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
Ed Presutti, Director of Data Science and Analytics
David Roberts, HRIS Manager
Peggy Roush, Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Solutions Group
Christian Sarmiento '25, Student Representative
Richie Williams, Assistant General Counsel

AI Resources

This website is intended to serve as a central hub to disseminate information and will be updated periodically. While not exhaustive, this curated list offers key resources to help you begin exploring the role of AI in higher education, providing foundational insights and practical guidance.

The AI Pedagogy Project

  • Source: metaLAB (at) Harvard
  • Description: Focused on the essentials and written to be accessible to newcomers, this interactive guide provides the background needed to feel more confident engaging in conversations about AI in the classroom. It features an AI starter guide, tutorials on large language models, and classroom assignments, providing practical tools and inspiration for incorporating AI into your curriculum.

 

Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence

  • Source: Elon University and AAC&U
  • Description: This illustrated guide offers an essential AI "how-to" manual for students, helping them navigate the use of AI in their academic work. Faculty can use this resource to better understand student perspectives and develop responsive AI policies for their courses.

 

Course Policies & Syllabi Statements

  • Source: University of Michigan
  • Description: Provides sample language to include in syllabi regarding AI use. This resource is particularly helpful for establishing clear guidelines on how AI tools can be used in courses.

 

Writing and AI Working Paper

  • Source: MLA-CCCC Joint Task Force
  • Description: This working paper explains the broad risks and potential benefits of AI for language, literary, and writing scholarship, as well as its impact on students, scholars, instructors, administrators, and staff in higher education. It also suggests principles and recommendations for creating policies, guidelines, and practices that leverage the strengths of teachers and scholars.

 

Teaching with AI

  • Authors: José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson
  • Description: Explores the transformative effects of AI on education. This is an essential resource for faculty seeking an in-depth understanding of AI's impact on teaching and learning. Dr. Watson will visit the campus on November 20th to discuss this work.

 

AI and Education Report

  • Source: UNESCO
  • Description: This primer provides a comprehensive overview of AI in higher education, structured to help stakeholders navigate topics like personalized learning, research innovations, administration, ethics, and challenges. It addresses key concepts, applications, and policy recommendations while exploring the implications of AI for teaching, research, and institutional management.

 

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning

  • Publisher: US Department of Education
  • Description: This report highlights the growing interest in AI in education, provides key policy recommendations, and explores core principles such as centering people, advancing equity, ensuring safety, and promoting transparency. It addresses how AI impacts students, educators, administrators, and institutions while offering a roadmap for creating ethical and effective AI policies in education.

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Faculty Use of AI

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CONTACT: AI Steering Committee

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Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

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