The Forum

A dynamic mini-conference brought together academic and technological leaders to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming teaching, learning, and workforce readiness across St. Louis institutions of higher education.  

Organized and moderated by STLCC Associate Professor of Philosophy Dr. Sahar Joakim Resch, The Human Impact of AI in Highter Education mini-conference was held on Tuesday, April 14. The event convened eleven expert leaders from across the region representing six different colleges and universities for an interactive and progressive dialogue which focused on how employment, college education, and teaching are being redefined and restructured by Artificial Intelligence. Colleges and universities that participated in the discussion included Lindenwood University, Maryville University, Saint Louis University, St. Louis Community College, Washington University - St. Louis, and Webster University.   

The mini-conference was held at the Center for Nursing and Health Sciences on the campus of STLCC Forest Park. The event began with STLCC Forest Park Campus President and Chief Executive Officer Julie Fickas welcoming the crowd and providing program opening remarks. Dr. Resch then began moderating the event by centering the crowd, calling upon attendees to consider how "disruptive technologies continuously pop up and send us pivoting and adapting and integrating new technologies." Dr. Resch reminded participants of the importance of centering human experience in the midst of technological advancement. 

Program attendees received a copy of STLCC's AI Strategic Plan and the Timeline of AI at STLCC. Many historical facts from STLCC's cross-network integration of AI were plentiful throughout the event as attendees were provided opportunity to review and evaluate their roles and progress in the overall initiative. Participants who were new to the transformative mission were also invited to consider taking up an active role in the movement.  

Since November 2022 just after ChatGPT was released to the public, STLCC has maintained an AI Governance Committee dedicated to guiding the college system in developing strategy and operationalization of Artificial Intelligence for both students and faculty. The committee works to maintain AI adoption across the college network that is inclusive, ethical, and effective, while also addressing critical issues such as privacy, security, bias, transparency, and academic integrity.  

The mini-conference was the most recent event to help STLCC students and faculty move further along the path of STLCC’s roadmap to success in all things AI.  The event functioned as a critical and practical realization moment for AI and Higher Education experts and leaders from across the region to share thoughts on significant successes and challenges around AI. The intentional discussion worked to inform next steps in STLCC’s AI Strategic Plan to “integrate AI across teaching, learning and operations to advance the college’s mission of empowering students, expanding minds and changing lives.”    

Panelists were each provided five minutes to answer a variation of the question on how humans are affected by advancements in AI and how that applies to institutions of higher education adapting in order to provide education for students. Panelists also fielded questions from audience members and other panelists, which yielded a rich and informative discussion. Some themes which were highlighted consistently throughout the discussion included, but were not limited to: 

Ubiquity and inevitability of AI 

Importance of early adoption of skills for students and instructors 

Collaboration among college stakeholders (i.e., IT professionals, faculty, administrators, funding/development staff, etc.)  

Allowing room for faculty to freely experiment and learn ways to integrate AI into education 

Student unique needs and level of understanding (one size not fitting all)  

After each panelist responded to their respective version of the question, STLCC Chancellor Dr. Jeff Pittman provided comments to event attendees, allowing for reflection on panelist's comments, questions and contributions from audience members.   

After returning from break, panelists welcomed attendees into smaller breakout groups. In breakouts, attendees were able to ask questions in a more intimate one-on-one environment. After closing breakout groups, panelist and participants reconvened in large group to report about discussions from breakout groups. 

Final comments for the event were provided by Dr. Rob Lee, STLCC Associate Vice Chancellor for Employer and Workforce Solutions as he advised that AI is “the only technological revolution that permeates all corners of society instantly, every single day, and it’s always changing.” Lee further defined the moment as a snapshot in which AI can be seen either as “an existential threat or an existential opportunity,” Dr. Lee reiterated STLCC’s commitment to providing today’s students with opportunity to gain an overall better understanding of, and foundational literacy in Artificial Intelligence. 

STLCC’s AI Governance Committee’s efforts have reportedly yielded positive results, enhancing student learning outcomes and increasingly reducing staff workload. As the committee continues integrating AI across the STLCC network and preparing students for the future workforce, their goal is to continue setting the standards for responsible AI integration in higher education throughout the region. Follow our continued coverage of AI’s evolution across the educational framework of STLCC.  

Join the AI movement at STLCC with this guide page that offers a full range of resources, tools and tips about how Artificial Intelligence integrates into learning and teaching at STLCC here: https://stlcc.edu/insider/ai/ 

Download STLCC's AI strategic plan to review STLCC's structured, college-wide approach to adopting artificial intelligence responsibly focusing on ethical use, data privacy, workforce readiness and clear governance to support both student success and institutional innovation.