Big changes are coming to Ohio State this fall. Starting with the Class of 2029, every undergraduate student will graduate with strong AI skills, whether you’re studying business, biology, art, or anything in between.
The university is launching a new program called the AI Fluency initiative, and the goal is simple: help students not only use AI tools, but also understand them, ask questions about them, and create new things with them.
Why it matters
AI is already changing how we live, learn, and work. In the future, almost every job will be affected by it in some way. Ohio State wants its students to not just keep up, but to lead.
President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. put it clearly, “We are preparing students to succeed in an AI-powered world and to help Ohio stay ahead.”
What’s coming in Autumn 2025
Integrating AI into teaching and learning
Starting next year AI basics will be introduced through the General Education Launch Seminar, and workshops on generative AI will be offered as part of the First Year Success Series.
Next Steps for Faculty
AI Fluency is not limited to STEM fields. Faculty across all disciplines are encouraged to explore how AI connects to their area of study and to help students engage with its responsible and creative use within their academic path. The goal is to ensure graduates leave Ohio State fluent in both their major and the role AI plays in their field.
To support this work, the Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning is launching a new fund to help instructors design or adapt courses with AI integration. Additional support and collaboration will be provided by the Center for Software Innovation and other university partners. Faculty will also receive guidance on ethical use of AI in teaching, academic integrity, and rethinking assessment strategies in an AI-enhanced learning environment.
How to learn more
Upcoming information sessions
Ohio State is hosting virtual information sessions on Tuesday, June 24th from 11 a.m. to noon and Tuesday, July 15th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. These sessions are open to faculty, staff, and students interested in learning more about the AI Fluency initiative.
Each session will include:
- an overview of the initiative
- learning goals and outcomes
- a preview of the curriculum
- opportunities to get involved
To access and join a live Zoom session visit OAA’s AI Fluency resource page.
Additional Resources
For full details regarding Ohio State’s new AI initiative, please refer to OAA’s AI fluency announcement in Ohio State News.
If you have questions or would like to talk about how this applies to your teaching, please reach out to Detra Price at price.151@osu.edu.