Artificial Intelligence
Thoughtful and Deliberate Use and Non-Use of Generative AI at Colorado College
The value of a liberal arts education lies in holistic learning and critical evaluation. The deep and intensive modes of inquiry and engagement afforded by the block plan at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵare not about finding quick answers. Accordingly, our thoughtful, deliberate, and iterative approach to Generative AI ultimately highlights the core of what we do and who we are as an institution.
Accordingly, our critical approach to AI will be amplified further by our core institutional values – specifically antiracism and sustainability – alongside our college’s vision "to ignite the passion and potential of our students, and the entire CC community, to create a world that is more equitable, humane, and just."
The systems, structures, and practices that have brought GenAI to its present moment, coupled with the deeply capitalist forces driving integration of the technology, are at odds with our commitment to be an antiracist institution, and one that strives to be inclusive and accessible. We continue to have much work to do in that regard. And our approach to GenAI will continue to be framed by such work.
Vision
As a national model in higher education, we will establish both official policy and best practices guidelines that govern how, when, and why GenAI will and will not be used at CC, emerging from the contexts of liberal arts learning and critical inquiry, while aligning with CC’s commitments to sustainability and antiracism.
Next Steps
The above statement was crafted at the end the 2024-25 academic year by the faculty and staff members of the AAC&U Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum: Ryan Raul Bañagale, Jennifer Golightly, Neena Grover, Jane Murphy, Chris Schacht, Cory Scott, and Ane Steckenbiller. It stands as a set of guiding principles for the work that lies ahead. Moving forward we hope to articulate a shared language around AI that we can use to establish, develop, and maintain a mode of Critical AI Literacy for »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ students, staff, and faculty.
Critical AI Literacy at CC
At Colorado College, Critical AI Literacy involves thoughtful engagement with generative artificial intelligence's design, implementation, and social implications. In our liberal arts environment, and aligned with our commitments to antiracism and sustainability, Critical AI Literacy goes beyond the use and understanding of specific artificial intelligence tools or their underlying technical processes, to seek informed, transparent, just, and responsible use. CAIL examines the inherent issues of bias, inequality, and access within such systems. It also raises awareness of ethical, environmental, and labor concerns in their development and implementation.
Some things that we’re reading as we consider Critical AI Literacy at CC:
- Bali, Maha.
- Bender, Emily, et al.
- Bender, Emily and Alex Hanna.
- Bozkurt, Aras, et al.
- Cottom, Tressie McMillan.
- Hunter, Frances.
- Mollick, Ethan.
- Narayanan, Arvind and Sayash Kapoor.
- Oregon State University.
- Pasquinelli, Matteo.
- Roe, Jasper.
- Roe, Jasper, et al.
What are you reading that we should be reading? Please share with us! And return to this page for more as we continue to build out both our descriptions of and opportunities for Critical AI Literacy at CC.
Additional Resources
In addition to our in-person conversations and workshops, we will also share out information that can help us engage in such efforts. Please let us know of any resources you think would be useful for us to highlight.
»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵResources:
- AI Usage (CC Ruth Barton Writing Center)
- (CC Libraries)
- (CC Honor Council)
- Artificial Intelligence (CC ITS)
You might also try from the Spring 2024 offering of "The Science and implications of Generative AI" at the .
"The faculty, students, and staff of »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵare perfectly situated to wrestle with the implications of generative AI. We are a place where learning, research, innovation, ethics, and dialogue intersect. The experts in our interdisciplinary community can lead conversations and projects that interrogate and explore both the foundations and future of AI. As an institution that strives to foster the ethical creation of knowledge, we can rise to this challenge without trepidation and without acquiescing to the inertia of educational technology. We can ask the hard questions as we explore. »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵis made for this challenge and opportunity."
Professor Emily Chan, Dean of the Faculty
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