Jay Rothman, president of the University of Wisconsin system, highlighted the dual nature of artificial intelligence (AI) during an interview with the Wisconsin State Journal. Rothman, who regularly employs AI tools like ChatGPT for tasks such as cross-checking work, expressed both enthusiasm and caution regarding the technology’s potential. “I will go back and ask AI, ‘OK, what did I miss?’ and sometimes I get hallucinations, but sometimes I get ideas that I may never have thought of,” he said. Rothman emphasized that while AI is a powerful tool, it also carries inherent risks that must be acknowledged.
His perspective reflects a broader shift within the UW system, which has seen a surge in AI-focused initiatives across its 13 universities. This includes the introduction of new AI majors, increased hiring of faculty in the field, and collaborations with industry leaders like Microsoft. Rothman compared the rise of AI to the advent of the Internet, suggesting that dismissing it as a temporary trend would be misguided. “In some sense, artificial intelligence is the Internet on steroids,” he remarked, while also stressing the importance of understanding its limitations.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a nearly 18 percent increase in jobs related to software development from 2023 to 2033, outpacing many other sectors. However, a study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology indicates that AI could potentially replace close to 12 percent of jobs in the U.S. labor market, raising concerns about its impact on employment.
In light of these developments, Rothman revealed that the UW system is formulating governance policies aimed at ensuring the responsible use of AI by students, faculty, and staff. These policies will guide how research and personal information are managed when input into AI models used in public contexts. “That we are not going to compromise on,” he stated, underscoring a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and privacy as a critical aspect of AI governance.
Rothman clarified that the UW system does not intend to replace educators with AI, but sees the potential for AI to augment teaching. “That human connection, that human touch is going to be absolutely important to education going forward,” he noted, suggesting that while AI could enhance educational experiences, it cannot replace the fundamental human elements of teaching and learning.
Interest in AI programs is burgeoning within the UW system. Starting next fall, classes will commence in the newly established College of Computing and AI at UW-Madison, the first new academic unit at the university since 1983. This move aims to elevate the visibility of existing programs while positioning UW-Madison as a leader in AI and computing, potentially facilitating new industry partnerships.
This fall, UW-Eau Claire launched two AI majors, and UW-Whitewater plans to replace its AI-focused computer science track with a dedicated bachelor’s degree in AI by fall 2026. Graduates of these programs are expected to gain skills relevant to high-demand careers, including roles as AI engineers and machine learning specialists.
Other significant AI initiatives are also in progress. UW-Milwaukee opened an AI innovation lab in collaboration with Microsoft last year to promote synergy among startups, researchers, and educators. Additionally, UW-Madison initiated the Wisconsin Research, Innovation, and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) program, which involves hiring 50 new faculty members specializing in AI.
At UW-Madison, the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies leads 14 new faculty research projects through a $1.5 million partnership with QTS Data Centers, focusing on the environmental effects of data centers. Although QTS recently withdrew its plans for a $12 billion data center campus north of Madison, the funding for university initiatives remains intact and is not contingent upon the project’s progress.
As the landscape of AI continues to evolve, the University of Wisconsin system is positioning itself to not only harness the technology’s potential but also to address the inherent challenges it presents. The ongoing commitment to ethical guidelines and responsible use will be key as institutions navigate this transformative era in education and beyond.
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