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The actual dean of an actual college of arts and sciences at an actual university has actually recommended replacing striking instructors with artificial intelligence apps.

Last week, graduate student workers at Boston University (BU) went on strike to demand increased stipends and improved benefits.

Yesterday, Stan Sclaroff, Dean of Boston Universitys College of Arts & Sciences, emailed recommendations to faculty on how to manage course discussion and lab sections while their teaching assistants are on strike. Among his suggestions: Engage generative AI tools to give feedback or facilitate discussion on readings or assignments (via The Daily Beast and a source at Boston University).

Dean Sclaroffs home discipline is computer science.

Readers are referred to to this earlier post.

UPDATE (3/29/24): Heres the text of the email that Dean Sclaroff sent:

To: Arts & Sciences Faculty and Staff From: Stan Sclaroff, Dean of Arts & Sciences Subject: Course discussion sections and labs that are impacted by the BUGWU strike Date: March 27, 2024

Dear Colleagues, I understand that many of you have questions about how to manage course discussion sections and labs that are impacted by the BUGWU strike. I understand as well that faculty and staff are working to creatively and thoughtfully ensure our students continue to achieve their learning.

Given the disciplinary and pedagogical breadth across the College, there are a wide-range of approaches that can be taken. We know that one size does not fit all. However, in the hope that they can be useful and serve as inspiration for brainstorming, we have provided below some general guidance and examples of approaches that could be utilized during this time.

In general, you may employ all teaching modalities, including holding live Zoom sessions, sharing asynchronous recordings, or combining discussion sections. We appreciate that this openness to remote teaching is a deviation from past University guidance; however, given the circumstances and the need to support our students continued learning, these options may be employed. Below, we have listed some creative ways in which, we have heard, some faculty are adapting their course formats and using technology to serve their students.

For discussion sections:

For labs:

BUs Center for Teaching and Learning offers faculty consultation, which can be booked here; they are prioritizing appointments for faculty with questions on these topics.

The Geddes Language Center and CAS IT can also be useful resources for technology enabled approaches.

We encourage you to connect with your colleagues to share ideas and insights about various approaches. Ultimately, you are in the best position to know what will work for your course and students, and we encourage you to think creatively about how you can best conduct your teaching during these challenging times.

Finally, we are launching a process to support replacement coverage requests. If you identify other faculty, graduate students, or staff to cover teaching activities, including discussion sections and grading, these individuals will be paid for their time. A separate email has been shared with chairs, directors, and administrators that explains how to request payment for replacements. Please coordinate with your chair, director and/or administrator to facilitate this process.

As I said in my note Monday, thank you for your advocacy, hard work, and continued commitment to and care for all of our students. Please know that the Deans Office and in particular your associate deans of the faculty are available to help with any questions or concerns as they arise.

Sincerely, Stan

Stan Sclaroff Dean of Arts & Sciences Boston University Pronouns: he/him/his

See the rest here:

BU Dean Recommends Replacing Striking TAs with AIs (updated) - Daily Nous - Daily Nous