By Vicki Baker
Publication Date: 2026-02-23 14:04:00
What happens to a college education when a chatbot can write an essay, summarize a reading, and generate computer code in seconds? The arrival of artificial intelligence in college classrooms has been rapid and confusing for many schools.
As professors of economics, business management, and biology at liberal arts colleges, we face a question that now affects all colleges and universities: What is the purpose of a college education as AI rapidly changes the way students think, learn, and prepare for careers?
While much of the public debate has focused on plagiarism and credit for student work, the deeper issue goes beyond rule-making.
Across higher education, most schools have issued guidance on how students should use AI, rather than issuing blanket regulations.
Liberal arts colleges like the University of Richmond, Bard College, and Trinity College tend to emphasize the importance of students using AI ethically and responsibly, and typically…
