Generative Artificial Intelligence, also known as Gen AI, is becoming an essential part of the employment landscape across industries. Gen AI is defined as artificial intelligence (AI) capable of creating new content based on existing data. To evaluate the changes and develop processes and guidelines for Gen AI at Austin Community College District (ACC), the College created a special, collegewide AI Strategic Planning Committee. 

Members of this new committee are working to outline ACC’s approach to understanding and shaping Generative AI use across the College. Members were selected to represent a variety of backgrounds and roles at the College, along with a wide variety of opinions about Gen AI. The committee includes administrators, faculty, staff, and students who were selected by both employee associations and the Cabinet.  

Together, the committee is working toward solutions for three established goals:

  • Model a comprehensive, institution-wide approach to Generative AI integration.
  • Address the challenges and opportunities it presents to our students, faculty, and staff.
  • Foster an informed, collaborative environment to develop clear, consistent policy recommendations that reflect our college’s values and support student success.

The committee’s key areas of focus include:

  • Responsible Gen AI use: Developing policy recommendations to ensure responsible, equitable, and ethical use of Gen AI across the college.
  • Academic integrity: Clarifying how Gen AI will be treated within the context of upholding academic honesty and course policies.
  • Support structures: Understanding how Gen AI can assist in enhancing student services and faculty development, and how it impacts student success.
  • Aligned Gen AI tools and training: Evaluating what tools should be adopted, and ensuring that faculty, staff, and students receive the necessary training and guidance to engage with Gen AI meaningfully and effectively, while aligning with ACC’s policies and values.

Work began in the fall 2024 semester with research starting this spring and is expected to conclude in the fall 2025 semester.

Fall 2024: Committee Formation
Spring 2025: Research and Foundational Work
Summer 2025: Stakeholder Feedback Assessment and Draft Recommendations Under Review
Fall 2025: Committee Work Concludes with Final Recommendations Delivered

Share Your Ideas

The committee seeks input from the College. Opportunities include participating in upcoming focus groups, commenting on the special ‘Exploring AI in Higher Education: Challenges & Opportunities’ padlet wall, and responding to the Gen AI survey.

For more information, visit the Collegewide Strategic AI Planning Committee web page or contact the committee co-chairs, Alex Watkins and Stephanie Long, at [email protected] and [email protected], respectively.