Montana State University hosted its Interdisciplinary Institute on Artificial Intelligence Faculty Symposium on March 26, bringing together more than 150 faculty members and guests to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in research and higher education.
The event aimed to address both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, reflecting a broader trend as universities adapt to rapid technological changes. As Montana’s land-grant university, MSU focuses on research, education, and community outreach to address key challenges according to the official website.
The symposium featured four panel discussions with participants from MSU and other institutions within the Montana University System. Topics included AI in research, teaching and learning, practical applications of AI, and its impact on higher education. The institute is co-led by Doralyn Rossmann, dean of the MSU Library, and William Thomas, dean of MSU’s College of Letters and Science.
In his opening remarks at the event, President Brock Tessman said that AI will both challenge and enhance efforts at assessment, pedagogy, and student success. “We will be there to help solve problems and address opportunities that AI presents to Montana, the country and the world,” Tessman said. He also told attendees that widespread use of AI marks a significant shift for society: “Leaders in higher education over the years have addressed major challenges that we’ve perceived to be significant shifts in the way that we’ll teach… I believe that this moment is different. Everyone is simultaneously inspired, uncertain but ready for next steps. We can help lead folks through those next steps.”
William Thomas highlighted how historians might benefit from new technology: “I’m excited about AI as a historian because it’s an accelerant to research and discovery,” he said. Rossmann emphasized trust in information sources: “We are a place that really relies on trust of information,” she said. “And so we want to be in a space where we can help you figure out how to trust what’s in front of you… perhaps relying on open-source systems that don’t necessarily have a commercial driver behind them.”
Panelists discussed ways to ensure trustworthy outputs from artificial intelligence systems during question-and-answer sessions. Cody James from University of Montana stated trustworthy AI “requires effective integration of a human-verifying output” for accuracy. Jayne Morrow pointed out: “We can’t surrender the potential to do good with growing uncertainty… We have to find a way to meet in the middle with confidence.” Kristen Intemann spoke about balancing potential benefits with risks: “We really are in a very transformative moment where these technologies… are rapidly being adopted,” she said.
MSU plans further discussion at an upcoming national symposium about artificial intelligence scheduled for Oct. 1-2 at Gianforte Hall.
MSU leads statewide research funding with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university ranks among top global universities per international rankings according to its official website, enrolls approximately 17,165 students split between residents and nonresidents according to its official website, contributes through outreach efforts aimed at improving lives according to its official website, extends influence beyond state borders as Montana’s land-grant institution according to its official website, offers access not only academic programs but outdoor recreation amid vast wilderness areas while leading public service initiatives according to its official website.