UB to partner with 11 SUNY campuses for AI-focused education project

UB is partnering with 11 SUNY campuses across Central and Western New York to launch a new initiative focusing on responsibly integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms, labs and other learning environments.

The effort, called “AI in Action: Transforming Higher Education through AI,” will feature 25 fellows from partner campuses who will participate in UB-led workshops that focus on infusing AI into curriculums.

The workshops will include overviews on ethics, compliance, accessibility and other topics. There will also be a workshop at UB that brings together leadership from all participating campuses to discuss AI-centric policies focused on teaching.

The 11 campuses are Alfred State College, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Buffalo State University, SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Erie, Genesee Community College, Jamestown Community College, Monroe Community College and SUNY Niagara.

“This project grew from understanding both our own strengths in AI and the critical needs at the partner campuses,” said Albert Titus, senior associate vice president for research. “Obviously not every campus has the exact same need or mission, but we were able to identify the key AI-and-education intersection that can have the broadest positive impact.

“We believe this is just the start of a collaboration that ensures our students are prepared to succeed in a world with AI.”

The project is one of four announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul last Friday that aim to advance AI research and education for the public good. Hochul noted the partnerships will leverage Empire AI’s supercomputer, housed at UB, to increase access to AI for research and professional development for SUNY students and faculty.

“Through Empire AI, New York is ensuring the power of AI is harnessed responsibly,” Hochul said. “By bringing together SUNY institutions through these campus partnerships, we are furthering the use of AI for the public good and shaping a brighter future for all New Yorkers.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. lauded Hochul’s leadership for placing “SUNY and New York State at the forefront of harnessing AI for the public good.”

He added that “SUNY is proud to leverage the largest statewide comprehensive system of public higher education in the country to ensure that more students are able to drive research and move innovation forward.”

In addition to UB, SUNY’s other university centers — Binghamton University, Stony Brook University and the University at Albany — are leading other projects. For more information, see Hochul’s news release.