In an email announcement to Jewell students on August 13th titled “William Jewell College: Educational Excellence, Institutional Stability and Your Future,” the Board of Trustees announced William Jewell College’s exit from financial exigency as well as detailing other college-wide updates. In two sections of the email, AI updates were briefly mentioned. One section, entitled “Your Educational Experience and Excellence Standards,” announced that students’ educational excellence will be enhanced by “AI-powered early warning systems to identify and support struggling students.” A second section, “What All of This Means for Students,” stated that students’ “degree[s] represent … new operational efficiencies through AI and expanding AI in the classroom.” I had questions about the specifics of these updates, so I spoke with Dr. Kelli Braitman, Jewell’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Tara Allen, professor of biology and cochair of the newly appointed AI Task Force at Jewell. Both interviews were conducted based mainly on the second statement regarding AI efficiencies and expanding AI in the classroom. Here’s what I found out.

The following material is entirely composed of information gathered during the two interviews conducted and does not necessarily reflect the author’s belief or opinion. All material not directly quoted has been summarized directly from interview transcripts and notes.

When I asked about the specific implications of this email concerning AI at Jewell, Braitman replied that “one of the areas that we’ve started exploring [the use of AI] is in room scheduling.” Currently, the director of teaching and technologies runs room scheduling through a system called RoomKey. This site is simply a formstack in which requests have to be manually processed. Jewell is now exploring AI tools to “[book] the rooms automatically without him having to do something;” the AI system would be “the same formstack, but … automated,” intended to function as a time saver. “The other thing that we’re doing,” Braitman said, “is we’ve put together a task force … funded by our grant [Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutional Programs (SIP) Grant – $1.99 million over 5 years] … to start looking at whether there are ways that we can embed AI tutoring within our Brightspace courses.” This AI tutoring resource, as currently imagined, would be overseen by the individual course instructor and would ideally enhance rather than hinder student learning. It would allow for 24/7 tutoring “with the instructor’s materials … like their PowerPoint slide, lecture notes, assignments,” etc. Braitman stated that the task force is still exploring what kind of AI model would be used, but confirmed that they are currently planning to use a model that would be exposed only to information already found within Brightspace. She also noted that the task force is  “looking at whether we want to add something in the curriculum that would help students learn ethical uses of AI.”

Although the email received by Jewell students mentioned an expansion of “AI in the classroom,” Dr. Braitman clarified that Jewell admin has “not planned anything specific for in the classroom. … We’re not bringing in AI bots to teach,” and that Jewell is still simply exploring options at this time. “What we are hearing from employers,” Braitman said, “is that they expect graduates … to know how to use AI. We don’t know what that means for what we need to do at Jewell. But we want students to be prepared, in a way, to know how to use AI responsibly and ethically and effectively.” Jewell has recently developed an AI policy which prohibits personally identifiable information from being shared and a baseline syllabus template which states that AI programs should not be used by students to “counterfeit” assignments, although instructors can include additional stipulations or allowances for AI depending on the class. When asked whether she foresaw any changes to the AI honor code policy, Braitman said, “You know, we’re so early in AI that I really anticipate that our honor code policy could evolve over time as we better understand how we should and shouldn’t be using it. I could see it changing.”

My next questions for Braitman involved the decision-making process. While noting that Jewell is still in the exploratory phase, Dr. Braitman did confirm that faculty, staff, and student feedback will be involved. “One of the things they’ve talked about doing,” she said, “is piloting [AI embedded tutoring] in a class or two with some certain instructors. And I think that the students in that class would be providing feedback.”

Dr. Braitman also stated that the reasoning behind this AI initiative is rooted in an intention to improve student success. She told me about the early alert system, explaining how it could be useful to identify struggling students and narrow down possible causes for their difficulties so that those could be addressed more promptly and easily. She also noted other new improvements geared towards student success, such as hiring an academic success coach, implementing a cardinal care network and increasing the stipend to student tutors. “Part of what we’re doing in college,” she stated, “is helping our students grow in different ways to become ethical and responsible citizens. And part of that is exploring how we use AI in the right ways.” Dr. Braitman said she understands that students might have concerns regarding AI usage, particularly environmental concerns, and for this reason the task force is currently planning to make this potential AI tutor opt-in only, not only for students, but also for instructors.

Next, I interviewed Dr. Tara Allen, whom Dr. Braitman recommended to me as a good next contact since Dr. Allen is currently serving as cochair of Jewell’s newly established AI Task Force. According to Allen, the task force was formed over the summer as the result of an email that went out asking for faculty volunteers who would be interested in the project. The task force consists of Allen, professors in the nursing, engineering, and business departments, and a supervisor who works in Brightspace and IT. The purpose of the task force is to learn more about possible AI tutoring resources to augment and enhance student learning. The group has begun to meet with AI companies to see what products are available, evaluate different platforms and assess the options, with a goal to survey students anonymously about AI usage this fall. Depending on the results of the survey and further information from the AI companies, the task force plans to pilot an AI learning tool next spring in some courses for which instructors individually opt in. 

I asked Dr. Allen some questions about the specific kinds of AI models that are being considered, and she confirmed that these models certainly would not pull information from the internet, only having access to materials uploaded to Brightspace by faculty. Models currently under consideration would also not be trained or educated by student or faculty input – the AI bot would be self-contained and direct students to course resources as opposed to being able to actually answer student questions.

The AI Task Force, according to Allen, certainly has reservations about AI and is aware that it can compromise intellectual growth in some circumstances. They are looking into whether a class or seminar about AI would help students learn to use AI effectively and ethically while continuing to think critically. The task force is aware that AI models frequently hallucinate inaccurate responses, so AI will only be used if it augments learning and after more information has been gathered from students, faculty and the AI companies.

This story is developing. Keep reading The Hilltop Monitor for potential updates!

The Academic Achievement Center at William Jewell College has switched to using an outside online platform for tutoring services as opposed to having college students tutor their peers.

All students now have access to TutorMe, a virtual service that pairs students with highly educated tutors in a variety of subjects. The service’s website boasts that tutoring is available at all times and students will be connected with a tutor within 30 seconds of a request.

Pharamond Guice, director of the Academic Achievement Center, pushed for the switch because he feels it makes high quality tutoring more accessible for students.

“A concern I had over the years was getting tutors, and then getting good tutors, and then getting good tutors to commit,” Guice said.

In the past, the Academic Achievement Center hired Jewell students to tutor their peers. Guice experienced Jewell tutors not responding to requests for tutoring, not showing up and giving confusing instruction. TutorMe means students are able to get qualified instruction the moment they need it.

Guice says he had been interested in investing in a virtual tutoring platform for about three years. He expected to make the transition in the next two years but implemented the change sooner because of COVID-19.

“COVID shined a big, bright light on a lot of different issues. In auditing the way I work and the way I structure academic achievement center, I’ve essentially eliminated the barrier to tutoring,” Guice said.

In the past, students filled out a Google Form to request a tutor. The Academic Achievement Center would then process the request and assign a student to a tutor. After a tutor was assigned they would initiate a tutoring session. This process could take anywhere from 24 hours to one week.

Now to request a tutor a student should enroll in AAC 101 on Moodle. The Moodle page provides instruction for both Critical Thought and Inquiry (CTI) and non-CTI courses.

Tutoring for non-CTI courses will be provided exclusively via TutorMe. Students must first watch a brief instructional video before following the Moodle page’s instructions on connecting with a TutorMe tutor. 

Guice likes that he can see analytic data on TutorMe’s website. 

“You can see the ratings that the students give their tutors. It’s just incredible,” Guice said of this analytic feature. 

He purchased 200 hours of tutoring back in March. Students have used six hours so far. He expects to see a significant increase in tutoring with the release of week five grades in October.

Guice has received positive feedback from students who have already used the service.

“I had a first-year student actually reach out to me to give me her review of the platform and ironically enough her tutor with whom she connected actually studied the same Latin book she was using. It was pretty cool to hear that story,” Guice said.

The cost of the platform is one drawback. However, Guice believes the investment is worth it for the quality of instruction. 

The Academic Achievement Center had no training system for tutors. With TutorMe, Guice likes that students always get qualified tutors.

He also notes that TutorMe makes tutoring hours more efficient. In the past Jewell students have been allotted four hours of tutoring per week but Guice thinks TutorMe can cover the same amount of material in less time.

“What would take a Jewell tutor maybe an hour and a half to convey, these tutors can get it done in 15 minutes,” Guice said.

Jewell students still serve as tutors for CTI courses. The only change to CTI tutoring is that students can now directly contact the designated tutor instead of filling out a Google Form first. The Moodle page includes a Google Sheets document with contact information for CTI tutors. Tutors will respond within 12 hours.

All tutoring is available virtually. CTI tutors have access to a professional Zoom account so they can help students who may be in quarantine, off campus or uncomfortable with meeting face-to-face.

Guice’s goal with the changes to tutoring is to make sure high quality help is easily accessible for all students.

“The last thing I want a student to encounter is a huge barrier to getting the support they need,” Guice said.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, William Jewell College has extended student support services in order to promote student welfare during this time. Among these resources include expansion of Student Life support, financial aid policies and academic policies.

According to an email from the Student Life office, Jewell has taken services for academic support, counseling services, health services and career development and internships online. Student Life has also sought to host online programs and activities for the remainder of the semester. 

Office of Counseling Services:

The Office of Counseling Services has taken support online. Students can access tele-mental health services and find what services may be available to them by contacting Dr. Tricia Hager, director of counseling services.

On Mondays and Thursdays from 3-4 p.m., counseling services hosts “Let’s Talk Support Group” with Hager on Zoom. 

Student Life:

Student Life has been providing strategies, tips and opportunities for connection during the pandemic. One of these opportunities is taking Friday Jewell Time online so students can meet with Student Life staffers via Zoom. Student Life is hosting yoga with Kathy Benavidez Thursday nights from 8:15-9 p.m. on Zoom. More information can be found by contacting Student Life and sessions can be joined via this link.

Shelly King, dean of students, said Student Life has gotten positive feedback from students about the continued availability of resources. King also commented on Student Life’s priorities during this time. 

“[Student Life is continuing] to be available and accessible to students during this challenging time,” King said.  “Students used to stop by our office to meet in person so we started a Student Life Jewell Time on Fridays at 10:15.  We had our first one this past Friday and had five students participate.  We’ve had other students ask if it will be continued because they want to participate next time. Zoom has worked great to stay connected and to actually see students during some sessions.” 

Student Health Center:

The Student Health Center is offering tele-health services from Jewell’s nurse practitioner, Paula Brown. The center is open 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Students can call 816-415-5020 or email Brown to schedule appointments. Full time undergraduate students can have tele-health visits for no charge and postgraduates will be charged $15 per visit. 

Students should include a phone number when scheduling appointments – and students will be texted to start appointments. All visits should take place on phones, laptops or computers with camera capabilities. 

Brown is also keeping the Jewell community updated with a Student Health Center blog. Check back at the blog for weekly updates about health and wellness.

Financial Aid:

Financial aid suspended its normal refund policy and will provide refunds for unused room and board costs. Students will be refunded approximately $2,400 for eight weeks worth of room and board fees. Graduating seniors will be refunded via check, and continuing students will have the refunded money credited to their fall semester 2020 tuition and fees. Continuing students may request the refund in the form of a check. For students with an outstanding balance, the refund will go toward that balance, with the remainder being credited to fall semester tuition – or in the form of a refund check. Jewell aimed to distribute checks by April 17.

The College also significantly increased the price threshold for course registration. Now students with an account balance up to $2,500 can register for courses in the fall. Students with an account balance greater than $2,500 were encouraged to contact the financial aid department for assistance with registration.

Students with work-study positions will also continue to receive payments throughout the semester. Students will be paid according to how much they work in a typical week. Work-study students were advised to get in contact with the business office to avoid any disruption in payment. Students with workship positions are not eligible for continued payment but can continue working remotely if possible.

Academic and Tutoring Resources:

Academic resources have taken tutoring services online. Students can find more information about academic resources like tutoring and other academic support at the Academic Achievement Center Moodle course. All tutoring appointments will be online, and more support can be found from Pharamond Guice, director of the Academic Achievement Center.

By keeping tutoring services running, the Academic Achievement Center is both providing free support to students who may be struggling with the move to online courses and is providing support to students with tutoring positions – who can continue earning money despite being off-campus. 

Career Development & Internships

Career Development and Internships is providing assistance and support of career-related needs. All remaining career development events will be held virtually – more information can be found at legacy.jewell.edu/career-development. Marissa Bland, director of Career Development and Internships, can also be contacted for more information about career development and internships.