West Chester University Backtracks on Using AI for Graduation Announcements
Table of Contents
- 1. West Chester University Backtracks on Using AI for Graduation Announcements
- 2. Student Petition Sparks Controversy
- 3. University Apology and Inquiry
- 4. The AI Conundrum: Balancing Efficiency and Personalization
- 5. Lessons Learned
- 6. AI Graduation Announcements Spark Debate at West Chester University
- 7. How might the use of AI in academic ceremonies like graduations balance efficiency with the importance of personalization and tradition?
- 8. AI at Graduation: A Conversation with Dr. Jay Osgood,Provost of West Chester University
- 9. How did the university arrive at the decision to use AI for graduation announcements?
- 10. What was the university’s initial understanding of Tassel’s practices regarding the use of AI?
- 11. Did the university anticipate the level of student pushback against the use of AI?
- 12. How is the university responding to the concerns raised by students?
- 13. What options are being considered for future graduation ceremonies?
- 14. What lessons has the university learned from this experience?
West Chester University is facing backlash from students after it came to light that the school contracted with a company that used AI to deliver name announcements at last fall’s graduation ceremony. The university has since backtracked,acknowledging the use of AI and promising a closer look at the methods used by tassel,the company behind the graduation recordings.
Student Petition Sparks Controversy
A petition organized by senior Elisa Magello, garnering over 1,000 signatures, calls on the university to reinstate human announcers for graduation ceremonies. magello and her fellow students argue that AI-generated announcements lack the personal touch and tradition associated with this momentous occasion.
“We, as students, want to challenge this decision, stressing the need for a human announcer at our graduation ceremony, thus preserving the tradition and personalization that this momentous occasion warrants,” the petition reads.
University Apology and Inquiry
In a statement acknowledging the use of AI, west Chester University officials expressed surprise and disappointment, stating that they were unaware of the company’s practices until recently. They emphasized their commitment to openness and pledged to thoroughly investigate the situation.
“We sincerely apologize to our students for this oversight,” said Jeffery Osgood Jr., WCU executive vice president and provost. “We believe in the importance of creating a meaningful and personalized experience for our graduates, and we are committed to finding a solution that meets the needs of our community,”
The AI Conundrum: Balancing Efficiency and Personalization
While AI technology offers efficiency in tasks like name pronouncements, it raises important questions about the role of human connection in important events like graduations. Mispronunciations, a common issue with customary volunteer announcers, can indeed be embarrassing and distressing for graduates. AI-generated announcements, while seemingly precise, may lack the warmth and authenticity that human interaction provides.
For universities, finding the right balance between utilizing technology and maintaining tradition can be a delicate task. Open communication with students and stakeholders is crucial in navigating these challenges.
Lessons Learned
This incident highlights the importance of:
- Due diligence in vendor selection: Universities should thoroughly vet companies they partner with, especially regarding the use of emerging technologies.
- Transparency and communication: Clear communication about practices and technology used should be a priority. This includes informing students about any potential use of AI.
- Prioritizing student experience: Balancing technological advancements with the human element is essential to create a meaningful and memorable experience for graduates.
Moving Forward: A Call for discussion
The debate surrounding AI in graduations is highly likely to continue as technology evolves. Universities, students, and the broader community should engage in open discussions about the ethical implications and potential impact of AI on these important ceremonies. Finding solutions that honor tradition while embracing innovation will require careful consideration and collaborative efforts.
AI Graduation Announcements Spark Debate at West Chester University
West Chester University faced controversy after utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to generate graduation announcements for its fall 2024 ceremony. While the technology successfully produced over 1,000 names with 84% accuracy,the decision sparked debate among students and faculty about the value of a human touch in such a significant event.
Tassel, the company behind the AI technology, reports that the system generates names with a high degree of accuracy.However, students have the option to review the AI-generated recordings and request a human voice actor to re-record their names if they are dissatisfied. Tassel CEO Chase Rigby stated to Axios, “The AI-powered technology ‘produced more than 1,000 names with 84% accuracy (verified by students)’ for the fall graduation. Rigby reported that the remaining 16% of names were recorded by voice actors.
provost Dr. Jay Osgood acknowledged the cost-saving benefits of AI but emphasized that West Chester University prioritized precision and student satisfaction.”Cost was not a factor here for us, we wanted to get it right,” he said in a statement to the local news. When questioned about the possibility of reverting to a system using human announcers, Osgood said, he had inquired with Rigby about this option.
Moving forward, West Chester University plans to engage its Student Goverment Association to gauge student preferences for future graduation ceremonies. “What do they prioritize most? Do they prioritize a human voice, who can professionally read names and achieve the accuracy that we would expect for our students?” Osgood questioned. “Or would they want something that is less accurate and more apt to disappoint students at commencement?”
This debate raises important questions about the role of technology in academic traditions and the balance between cost-effectiveness and the human element in momentous occasions.
How might the use of AI in academic ceremonies like graduations balance efficiency with the importance of personalization and tradition?
AI at Graduation: A Conversation with Dr. Jay Osgood,Provost of West Chester University
West Chester University found itself at the centre of a debate after utilizing AI-generated name announcements for its fall 2024 graduation ceremony. We spoke with Dr. Jay Osgood, the university’s Provost, about the decision and its aftermath.
How did the university arrive at the decision to use AI for graduation announcements?
we were looking for ways to enhance the graduation experience for our students, ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of the name pronunciations. Tassel, the company behind the AI technology, presented a compelling case for its ability to achieve high accuracy rates. we saw the potential for minimizing common errors and providing a seamless experience for all graduates.
What was the university’s initial understanding of Tassel’s practices regarding the use of AI?
We were initially led to believe that the technology primarily showcased an improved system for verifying names against student records and offering human voice actors for adjustments where needed.the extent of AI’s role in generating announcements was not fully transparent upfront.
Did the university anticipate the level of student pushback against the use of AI?
Honestly, no. While we acknowledged the potential for diverse perspectives,we were surprised by the scale and intensity of the response. Our primary focus has always been on student satisfaction, and it’s clear that for many, the personal touch of a human announcement holds immense value during this momentous occasion.
How is the university responding to the concerns raised by students?
We’ve heard their voices loud and clear. We’ve taken several steps, beginning with a public apology for the oversight in communication. We are actively engaging with the Student Government Association to understand their preferences and priorities for future graduation ceremonies.
What options are being considered for future graduation ceremonies?
We’re exploring all possibilities, including returning to the traditional model of human announcers. Finding the right balance between using technology to enhance efficiency and preserving the treasured traditions and meaning of graduation is at the heart of our deliberations. We’re committed to making a decision that prioritizes the student experience and reflects the values of our university community.
What lessons has the university learned from this experience?
This situation has underscored the importance of open communication, transparency, and continuous dialog with our students. We must ensure our policies and practices align with their expectations and values. Technology advancements shoudl always serve to enhance, not detract from, the richness and significance of our institutional traditions.
This experience has sparked a crucial conversation about the role of technology in education and how we can best utilize it to serve our students. Where do you stand on the use of AI in academic ceremonies like graduations?
