St. Louis Community College (STLCC) began using artificial intelligence (AI) to help students, faculty, and staff shortly after the release of ChatGPT in November 2022. The college created a dedicated AI governance team to lead AI implementation, transforming how we deliver and experience education. The team has developed strategic partnerships with AI industry leaders and embarked on numerous innovative projects. Early results of our AI implementation efforts have been both positive and promising, largely credited to the enthusiastic faculty and staff, Chancellor Pittman, and the executive leadership team who make up the college’s AI Governance Committee. This article highlights STCCC’s experiences leveraging AI to enhance student learning outcomes, streamline administrative processes, and prepare students for the future workforce.

Strategic Vision and Governance

STLCC's AI journey is guided by a comprehensive governance framework designed to ensure ethical, effective, and inclusive AI adoption. The AI Governance Committee leads the college’s AI strategy by addressing critical issues like data security, privacy, academic integrity, bias, and transparency, and ensuring that all AI projects align with STLCC's mission and goals.

One of the AI Governance Committee’s task forces focuses on AI policies, privacy, and data security, with a strong emphasis on the ethical and responsible use of technology. The college understands the potential risks associated with AI, including perpetuating biases, compromising data privacy, and undermining human oversight. A key responsibility of the committee is to regularly evaluate AI applications for biases and ensure that training data is diverse and representative. This ongoing evaluation helps identify and address any potential sources of discrimination or unfair treatment. Additionally, the committee has organized numerous panel discussions and workshops to train faculty and staff on ethical AI use, fostering a culture of responsible adoption across the institution.

Innovative Projects and Use Cases

AI-Enhanced Learning

One of the most impactful of STLCC’s AI initiatives is integrating AI tools into teaching and learning. We are experimenting with using a multimodal AI assistant designed to enhance the student learning experience. Generative AI (genAI) provides personalized homework assistance, essay writing support, language learning tools, and mental health resources to cater to diverse learning styles and needs. For example, in a mathematics course, genAI can provide step-by-step solutions to complex problems, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Additionally, genAI can generate personalized study guides based on a student's progress, identify areas where the student is struggling, and offer targeted practice questions to enhance understanding. This personalized approach helps students overcome their individual challenges and improves their academic performance (Resch, 2024).

Administrative Efficiency

STLCC is also in the process of using AI to streamline administrative processes to reduce staff workload and ensure timely support for students. AI-driven chatbots are being developed to handle student inquiries about guided pathways, assist students with scheduling and reminders, and simplify administrative processes. The chatbots are trained on a vast local knowledge base, allowing them to accurately answer a wide range of questions and guide students through various administrative processes. For example, STLCC is currently partnering with Google to create an AI app that will assist prospective students with the application process by providing information on program requirements, application deadlines, and financial aid options. This will not only save time for admissions staff but also enhance the overall digital experience for prospective students, which aligns with STLCC’s number one strategic priority (AI Implementation Team, 2024).

Research and Data Analysis

The Institutional Research department at STLCC can leverage AI to assist in data analysis and decision-making. AI algorithms are employed to process large datasets, identify patterns and trends, and generate insights that inform strategic planning and resource allocation. This data-driven approach enables the college to make more informed decisions, optimizing its operations and better serving the needs of students and the community (Davis, 2024).

Partnerships and Collaborations

To stay at the forefront of AI technology in education, STLCC has forged strategic partnerships with leading tech companies such as Google and Cisco. These collaborations have brought advanced AI tools and resources to the college through facilitation of innovative projects and professional development opportunities for faculty. For instance, STLCC has collaborated with Google to integrate their AI tools into the classroom experience. Google's AI-powered language translation and speech recognition technologies have been particularly valuable for enhancing language acquisition and comprehension for our English as a Second Language program students.

Ethical and Inclusive AI Use

A key focus of STLCC's AI strategy is ensuring ethical use and addressing equity concerns. The AI Governance Committee has developed policies to mitigate bias in AI applications and ensure equitable access to AI tools for all students. These policies include guidelines for diverse and representative training data, regular audits for bias, and transparency in AI decision-making processes. Furthermore, STLCC recognizes that not all students have equal access to technology or technological proficiency. To address this, the college offers training and support programs to help students develop the necessary skills to effectively utilize AI tools in their studies. These efforts ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to all students, regardless of their background or prior experience.

Professional Development and Faculty Involvement

STLCC recognizes the importance of faculty involvement in the successful implementation of AI. The college has conducted numerous professional development sessions, including faculty panels, workshops, and innovation sessions, to educate and engage faculty in AI use. These efforts ensure that faculty are well-equipped to utilize AI tools effectively in their teaching, while also addressing any concerns or challenges they may have.

One notable initiative is the Faculty AI Innovation Program, in which faculty members are encouraged to propose and develop AI-driven projects for their courses. This program fosters a culture of innovation and experimentation by allowing educators to explore new ways of leveraging AI to enhance student learning. Successful projects are then shared across the college, promoting the adoption of best practices and inspiring further innovation.

Specific AI Policy Recommendations

To ensure responsible and ethical use of AI, STLCC's AI Governance Committee has proposed several key policy recommendations:

1. Transparency and Explainability: AI systems should be transparent in their operations, with clear documentation on how decisions are made. This includes providing explanations for AI-generated outcomes to help users understand and trust the technology.
2. Bias Mitigation: Policies should be in place to regularly audit AI systems for biases. This includes diverse training data and regular updates to ensure that AI applications do not perpetuate existing inequalities.
3. Data Privacy and Security: Strict guidelines must be established to protect student data. AI tools should comply with data privacy laws, and robust security measures should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Human Oversight: AI systems should be designed to augment human decision-making, not replace it. Human oversight is crucial to address any issues that AI might not handle effectively; critical decisions should always involve a human element.
5. Inclusive Access: Efforts should be made to ensure that all students have access to AI tools, regardless of their background or technological proficiency. This includes providing necessary training and support to both students and faculty.

Future Directions and Needs

Looking ahead, STLCC aims to expand its AI initiatives. Future plans include developing enterprise-wide AI systems to support various aspects of the college's operations, from admissions and enrollment to facility management and financial planning. By integrating AI across multiple domains, STLCC aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and optimize resource allocation. Additionally, the college plans to introduce AI courses and certifications to upskill students and prepare them for AI-related careers. These programs will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape and position them for success in the future workforce.

Visionary AI Efforts at STLCC

By integrating AI into various aspects of its operations and education, STLCC is not only enhancing the learning experience but also preparing its students and faculty for the future. The college's strategic vision, ethical governance, and innovative projects underscore its leadership in AI adoption in higher education. Through initiatives like AI personalized assistant, AI-driven administrative tools, and AI-powered research and analysis, STLCC is demonstrating the transformative potential of AI in education. By addressing concerns around bias, privacy, and inclusivity, the college is paving the way for responsible and equitable AI integration. Moreover, STLCC's commitment to professional development and faculty involvement ensures that educators are empowered to embrace AI and leverage its capabilities to improve teaching and learning outcomes. The college's partnerships with AI industry leaders further help to solidify its position at the forefront of AI innovation in higher education.

By prioritizing ethical use, inclusivity, and continuous innovation, STLCC sets a standard for responsibly integrating AI in higher education, which benefits students, faculty, and the broader community. The college's comprehensive AI governance framework, spearheaded by the AI Governance Committee, ensures that every AI implementation is carefully evaluated and monitored to uphold STLCC's values and principles. This rigorous approach not only mitigates potential risks but also fosters trust and confidence in the college's use of AI among students, parents, and stakeholders. Furthermore, STLCC's focus on equitable access to AI tools and resources demonstrates a deep commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in education. By providing training and support to students and faculty, regardless of their technological proficiency, the college is breaking down barriers and ensuring that the benefits of AI are available to all.

As the demand for AI-related skills continues to grow in the workforce, STLCC's decision to introduce AI courses and certifications is a visionary step. By equipping students with the necessary knowledge and competencies in AI, the college is preparing them for success in an increasingly technology-driven job market. This proactive approach not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce, benefiting the broader community and economy.

STLCC's success in leveraging AI for educational purposes is a testament to the college's commitment to innovation and its willingness to embrace emerging technologies. By fostering a culture of experimentation and collaboration, STLCC encourages faculty and staff to explore new possibilities and develop innovative solutions that enhance the learning experience.

Looking ahead, STLCC's AI journey is far from over. As AI technology continues to evolve and new applications emerge, the college will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities. However, with its strong foundation of ethical governance, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated community of educators and learners, STLCC is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of AI adoption and remain at the forefront of innovative educational practices. As a trailblazer in this field, STLCC's impact extends far beyond its physical campus, as it can help shape the future of education on a global scale.

References

AI Implementation Team. (2024). GenAI bot proposal: Custom RAG approach [Internal document]. St. Louis Community College.

Davis, P. (2024). AI presentation for the chancellor [Internal document]. St. Louis Community College.

Resch, S. J. (2024). Spring 2024 report [Internal document]. Innovation subcommittee of the AI Governance Committee. St. Louis Community College.

Feng Hou is Chief Information Officer at St. Louis Community College in St. Louis, Missouri.

Opinions expressed in Leadership Abstracts are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the League for Innovation in the Community College.