College Students Boo AI in Commencement Speeches While Using Tools for Coursework

Graduating students at the University of Arizona and the University of Central Florida responded negatively to remarks about artificial intelligence during commencement ceremonies this month. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt told University of Arizona graduates that AI will shape the world and asked whether they would shape AI in return.

One audience member at the University of Central Florida called out that AI sucks after a real estate executive described the technology as the next industrial revolution.

U.S. college students use AI tools in coursework at least weekly and 20 percent use them daily. Western University associate professor Jacob Shelley said he believed many students in one of his classes used AI to complete a final exam after observing anomalous results.

Princeton University faculty voted last week to rescind the school's 133-year-old honor code and begin proctoring all in-person exams.

University computer science professor Maitraye Das said her research shows students often experience conflict between using AI and concerns that it may limit their learning. Das noted that students cite job market pressures and the widespread adoption of AI by employers and instructors as reasons for continued use despite those concerns.

Shelley said institutions bear responsibility for preparing students for changes in the workplace and for clarifying expectations around AI use.