Reno, Nevada – University of Nevada Reno will introduce Pack AI, an initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) across campus to enhance educational experiences for both students and faculty.
Brian Sandoval, president of the University of Nevada Reno, emphasized the importance of AI in modern life. “Artificial intelligence is a big part of our lives and will continue to be a big part of our industry.
The “Pack AI” initiative is designed to provide students with a competitive boost to research while equipping faculty with the resources to incorporate AI into education. As part of the pre-semester “Nevada Fit” program, all freshmen and transfer students will participate in an AI module focusing on the use of AI in coursework, ethics, and academic integrity.
“We want students to learn about AI ethics. Obviously, we want them to use it in a good way, so it's part of the classroom,” Sandoval says. He added, “No matter which major you are on this campus, you will be exposed to artificial intelligence.”
Current students at the university have expressed excitement about the initiative and hope it will not be misused. “I hope we can turn some of the misuse into productive conversations about AI and how we actually use AI,” said Alexandra Mclanahan, a senior at UNR.
Another senior, Campbell Dedmon, looked at the relevance of AI in the business world. “I think it's important and it's definitely going to see more in the business world, so I'm sure it's teaching freshmen how to use it and when they don't use it, I'm sure that's what UNR is doing,” Dedmon said.
Sandoval highlighted the pioneering role of universities in AI education. “We are Nevada's flagship university and the first institution that is truly important to truly promote artificial intelligence as part of our curriculum,” he said.
The “Pack AI” initiative has been developed for some time, with cooperation from researchers and efforts to prepare professors for AI integration. Fall semester classes begin on Monday, August 25th.
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