Use AI as a Faculty Productivity Assistant

Faculty can use AI tools to draft messages, summarize posts, and create teaching materials. These techniques help reduce administrative load while maintaining academic standards.

Quick Links: | Prerequisites | Instructions | Troubleshooting | Next Steps |

Faculty can use generative AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline routine teaching and administrative tasks. When used thoughtfully, AI can support—not replace—your academic voice and judgment. This guide outlines ways to experiment with AI as a productivity assistant while keeping professional standards and instructional goals front and center.

Prerequisites

• Access to an AI writing tool (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot)
• Awareness of Chico State’s guidelines on ethical AI use in education
• Willingness to review and edit AI-generated output before use

Step-by-Step Instructions

To explore AI as a faculty productivity assistant, consider experimenting with the following tasks:

1. Drafting emails or announcements
   Use AI to generate a first draft for routine communications, such as syllabus reminders or schedule changes. Make sure to revise for tone, accuracy, and clarity.

2. Summarizing discussion posts or feedback
   Paste a selection of student responses into the AI tool to produce a summary or thematic analysis. Use the result to guide class discussion or inform your responses.

3. Creating sample prompts or case studies
   Ask AI to generate assignment prompts, discussion questions, or case scenarios. Edit the results to align with your course goals and academic standards.

4. Brainstorming or outlining
   Use AI to help structure your lecture notes, plan new modules, or organize grading rubrics. AI can help generate outlines that you refine into finished materials.

AI is best used as a co-author or brainstorming partner, not as a final authority. Always review and revise AI-generated content before sharing with students or colleagues.

Troubleshooting

• AI output sounds too generic or inaccurate: Try rephrasing your prompt or providing more context. For example, instead of saying "write an announcement," specify "write a Canvas announcement about an extension for a research paper."
• Worried about overreliance on AI: Focus on using AI for low-stakes drafting and brainstorming, while keeping final decisions and tone under your control.
• Concerned about ethics or policy: Refer to Chico State’s Teaching with Generative AI resource for faculty guidance.

Next Steps (Optional)