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Context: The significant rise of AI usage in higher education, particularly with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022.
Author: Joseph M. Keegin.
Date: May 23, 2023.

Frequent Emails: Tulane University administration sends various emails concerning university updates.
- 22 emails received from the president's office, primarily about institutional announcements and events.
- 7 newsletters from the department’s college, focusing on faculty awards, alumni achievements, and happenings.
- 2 emails from the dean’s office related to events and casual gatherings.
- 11 emails from the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- 4 communications from the Office of Human Resources and Institutional Equity.
- 54 emails from the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
- 2 messages from the provost's office.
Absence of Relevant Communication: Notably, none of these communications addressed the emergence of ChatGPT or its implications.

Prevalence in Educational Context: AI chatbot technology (ChatGPT) is heavily utilized by undergraduates.
- Observations by Educators:
- Owen Kichizo Terry highlights students using ChatGPT in class for homework assistance.
- Report of students submitting entirely AI-generated essays in upper-level courses.
- Some students modify AI-provided answers for submission.
- Concerns among Graduate Instructors: Reports of work exhibiting characteristics of AI generation, raising suspicions.

Lack of Institutional Response: No clear institutional guidelines for addressing AI-induced issues.
- Some instructors resort to alternative assessment methods like in-class tests and oral exams.
- However, even in-person assessments yield work that resembles AI-generated content: vague and superficial.
Adaptation Complications: Ongoing concerns regarding how to accommodate students with disabilities while ensuring academic integrity in light of technology.
Continuing Disengagement: Notable disconnect among students post-pandemic influences their engagement with academic life.

Leadership Inaction: College administrations are perceived to have largely ignored the AI challenge, resulting in faculty being left to navigate the consequences independently.
Public Discourse on Other Issues: Administrators have been vocal about various topics like racism, climate change, and global conflict, yet there is a conspicuous silence regarding AI's impact on education.
- Examples include universities using AI to generate statements on sensitive issues without addressing academic integrity concerns.

Cheating Statistics: A report from the International Center for Academic Integrity indicates over 60% of college students admit to cheating.
Impact of ChatGPT: The accessibility and cost-effectiveness of AI technologies escalate existing cheating problems within academic settings.
Concern Over Educational Practices: Large and mid-sized colleges face challenges in managing academic integrity amidst overwhelming workloads for faculty.

Importance of Personal Accountability: Emphasis on the necessity for students to own their academic work as a fundamental aspect of education.
Incentives Against Plagiarism: Fear of punishment should not be the primary motivator for students against plagiarism; instead, a sense of responsibility should be cultivated.
Role of Administrators: Expectations for university leaders to address major issues like AI usage and provide a framework for academic integrity, or risk fostering a culture of dishonesty among students.

Engagement with Faculty: Administrators should consult faculty, particularly contingent and junior members, about experiences with student work.
- Effective communication can help reveal the scale of the AI challenge and strategies already attempted by educators.
Honest Perspectives from Students: Encourage gathering of student input about their concerns regarding integrity and how AI affects their learning environment.
Flexible Attitude Toward AI: Some departments may explore the potential for AI chatbots as beneficial research tools, creating a balanced perspective on their use while maintaining a strong stance on plagiarism.

Need for Action: Clear guidelines and proactive communication from university leaders are necessary to address the challenges posed by AI and to uphold the integrity and value of higher education institutions.