Boston University Suggests Replacing Striking Grad Students With AI
In response to a grad student worker strike, the school recommends that staff utilize generative AI tools “to give feedback or facilitate ‘discussion’ on readings or assignments.”
Boston University administrators recommended that faculty members use generative AI tools in classrooms due to the BU Graduate Workers Union strike.
In an email sent to faculty members on Wednesday that was seen by The Daily Beast, the BU Dean of Arts & Sciences Stan Sclaroff provided recommendations for staff to “manage course discussion sections and labs that are impacted by the BUGWU strike.”
“Given the disciplinary and pedagogical breadth across the College, there are a wide-range of approaches that can be taken,” Sclaroff wrote. “We know that one size does not fit all. However, in the hope that they can be useful and serve as inspiration for brainstorming, we have provided below some general guidance and examples of approaches that could be utilized during this time.”
While most suggestions were tame, such as assigning readings and combining discussion sections, Sclaroff also “listed some creative ways in which, we have heard, some faculty are adapting their course formats and using technology to serve their students.” This included a recommendation that they, “Engage generative AI tools to give feedback or facilitate ‘discussion’ on readings or assignments.”
