The University at Buffalo (UB) recently hosted its latest “AI at UB Forum,” bringing together faculty and staff to explore how generative AI is transforming teaching, learning, and research in higher education. Held on November 21 at the Center for the Arts Screening Room, the forum was organized by the Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation (CATT) and co-sponsored by UBIT.

Graham Hammill, UB’s vice provost for academic affairs and dean of the Graduate School, opened the forum by reaffirming the university’s commitment to advancing generative AI in education. “The university is committed to being a leader in generative AI in teaching and learning,” Hammill said.

Hammill emphasized the importance of faculty engagement as UB continues to implement recommendations from the Task Force on Generative AI in Teaching and Learning.

Rachael Hageman Blair, associate director of education at UB’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, delivered the keynote presentation titled “Learning Together: Uniting Faculty and Students through AI in the Classroom.” She highlighted the importance of understanding the varying perspectives of students and faculty on generative AI, noting how this understanding can foster collaboration and improve learning outcomes.

Following the keynote, UB Faculty Fellows for AI in the Classroom presented their funded projects. These fellows, who received $5,000 seed grants in the previous year and an additional $5,000 this year, showcased innovative uses of AI in their disciplines. The projects included:

• Nathalia Paiva De Andrade (Department of Periodontics and Endodontics): Transforming Periodontal and Dental Care Powered by Artificial Intelligence.
• Barbara Avila-Shah (Department of Romance Languages and Literatures): AI as a Romance Ally.
• Kevin Cleary (Department of Management Science and Systems): Visualizing the Guts of Generative Pre-Transforms and Large Language Models.
• Dominic Sellitto (Department of Management Science and Systems): Educational AI Support for Everyone.

These presentations sparked vibrant discussions about integrating AI tools into course design and instruction.

The event concluded with an Explore AI Reception, where attendees networked and engaged with generative AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, Grammarly, and Copilot. Organized by CATT, the reception provided hands-on stations for faculty to explore these technologies and discuss their potential applications in education.

UB remains steadfast in its support for instructors navigating the integration of AI in education. CATT has launched an Explore AI initiative, encouraging faculty to experiment with AI tools and complete a generative AI survey available on their website. Additional opportunities for professional development are on the horizon, including:

• The Excellence in Teaching Conference on January 14, 2025, featuring keynote speaker Abelardo Pardo, an expert in learning analytics and technology-enhanced education.
• A Spring AI at UB Forum, where 2024-25 AI seed grant recipients will showcase their innovative projects.

As UB continues to lead in generative AI adoption, its forums and initiatives underscore the university’s dedication to preparing faculty and students for a future where AI shapes the educational landscape.