AI Exploration at Oberlin
A campus-wide examination of artificial intelligence: The possibilities, the challenges, and our commitment to be at the forefront of understanding.
At Oberlin, we work to ensure that our students are critical thinkers, culturally competent, and prepared to meet the challenges of the world they will inherit. In keeping with this commitment, it is important that we take time as a community to explore the ever-growing impact of artificial intelligence on all aspects of our campus. We began this important work in the 2025-26 academic year.
This year, we will take the next step in our exploration of AI and its potential applications at Oberlin. Our efforts will allow us to establish a forum for AI governance; assess AI tools and pilot programs; further refine our policies, guidelines, and standards for the use of AI; and provide ongoing support and training for our faculty, staff, and students.
Year of AI Exploration Goals
- Support institutional exploration of AI through speakers, workshops, and hands-on opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.
- Grapple with the concerns that AI raises in faculty research and pedagogy; student learning, ethical and privacy matters, environmental considerations, etc.
- Work together to establish policy and procedures.
- Gather faculty, staff, and student perspectives on AI.
- Explore curricular and co-curricular pathways impacted and possibly enhanced by AI.
- Explore the work of various administrative units through the lens of AI innovation while being attentive to the underlying challenges and pitfalls.
Activities and Resources
Access to AI Tools
Faculty and staff have access to Gemini EDU and support resources. Students may gain access by completing Oberlin's Critical AI Literacy training.
Conversations Around AI & Integrity
Understand and address questions of fairness, privacy, academic integrity, and equity through collaborative conversations.
Examining New Academic Pathways in AI
Evaluate options for potential new majors, interdisciplinary minors, concentrations, and first-year seminars.
AI Pilot Explorations
Explore applications of AI in the classroom, student affairs, administrative areas, and more.
AI Resource Hub
Create a shared information hub to capture collective learning and pilot program results.
Speakers & Workshops
Bring outside experts and campus practitioners together to increase knowledge about and perspective on AI in education.