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Dartmouth Investigates Provost Over AI Use
29 Sep
Summary
- Dartmouth's provost is under investigation for alleged AI-generated writing.
- Student journalists found extensive AI use in the provost's published works.
- Accusations spark hypocrisy claims and calls for accountability on campus.
Dartmouth College is investigating its provost, Santiago Schnell, after student journalists found evidence of AI-generated text in his published writings. Schnell, a mathematical biologist, stated he used AI for language refinement and efficiency.
This situation echoes concerns raised at other universities, where students have reported doubts about faculty's ethical and transparent use of AI. Reports indicate AI-influenced opinion articles, research papers, and campus messages are becoming more common.
Dartmouth's president acknowledged the 'messy' nature of early AI adoption, noting that missteps are part of institutional learning. However, some students, like Dartmouth senior Eli Moyse, believe these instances constitute plagiarism and demand immediate consequences for the provost.
Similar issues have surfaced at institutions like George Washington University and the University of California, Berkeley, where campus communications and published essays have shown signs of AI involvement. Some universities, such as the University of Southern California, have implemented specific policies regarding AI use by employees.
Experts suggest these controversies stem from the rapid evolution of AI technology, outpacing current ethical standards and creating a 'murky' boundary for appropriate use in academia. The lack of a clear social contract regarding AI in higher education exacerbates these challenges.
