Purdue to require all undergrads demonstrate ‘AI working competency’
Starting with next fall’s incoming freshmen, Purdue University will instate, as a graduation requirement, that students demonstrate basic skills with using large language models.
The new “AI working competency,” includes five categories: Learning with AI, Learning about AI, Research AI, Using AI and Partnering in AI. After being approved by a university trustee board last week, the new requirement is hoped to ensure that all Purdue students understand a technology that is increasingly influential.
“The reach and pace of AI’s impact to society, including many dimensions of higher education, means that we at Purdue must lean in and lean forward and do so across different functions at the university,” Purdue President Mung Chiang said in a news release. “AI@Purdue strategic actions are part of the Purdue Computes strategic initiative, and will continue to be refreshed to advance the missions and impact of our university.”
The requirement will be overseen by the university provost, who is tasked with working with college deans to develop relevant criteria. Chiang said students must demonstrate a competence by developing projects within their academic programs.
Purdue claimed that it is the first university to create such a requirement.
