Level Up - Actionable AI Strategies for Student Affairs
Includes a Live Web Event on 07/17/2025 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
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- Non-member - $649
- Member - $449
June 14-August 15, 2025
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming higher education, and student affairs professionals are at the forefront of this evolution. This 5-week online course introduces foundational AI concepts and provides a strategic framework for thoughtfully integrating AI into student affairs practice. Using Ethan Mollick’s Co-Intelligence as a guiding text, participants will explore ethical considerations, identify AI applications that enhance student support services, and gain hands-on experience with practical tools such as generative AI platforms, chatbots, and data-driven communication tools.
The course is designed to balance strategy with practice, giving participants opportunities to engage in real-world exercises, discussions, and case studies that highlight both the promise and pitfalls of AI. Special attention will be given to topics such as bias, privacy, and institutional policy, helping professionals anticipate challenges and confidently navigate them. By the end of the course, attendees will have built a working knowledge of AI’s potential, along with a tailored action plan for applying AI tools and strategies to better serve their students and meet evolving institutional goals.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe key AI concepts and explain their relevance to student affairs practice.
- Recognize ethical considerations, including bias and privacy, and understand institutional policies that guide AI use.
- Assess and experiment with AI tools that support student engagement, communication, and administrative efficiency.
- Develop a practical action plan for integrating AI tools and strategies into your own student affairs work.
Course Prices
Member: $449
Non-member: $649
Live Session
The five 60-minute live sessions will be held every Thursday from 1:00- 2:00 p.m. ET.
They are scheduled for the following dates:
July 17, 2025
July 24, 2025
July 31, 2025
August 7, 2025
August 14, 2025
Michael Butcher, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
College of Coastal Georgia
Dr. Michael Butcher is the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA), as well as the Founder and President of the Center for Artificial Intelligence. With nearly two decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Butcher is a national leader in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to drive organizational and educational innovation. His expertise lies in integrating advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, communication, engagement, and assessment across various industries.
Dr. Butcher holds a Bachelor’s in Information Technology, a Master’s in Public Administration, a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, and a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation. This interdisciplinary academic background provides a solid foundation for his deep understanding of AI and its practical applications in higher education.
Nationally recognized for his thought leadership, Dr. Butcher has delivered keynote addresses at EDUCAUSE, the Georgia Council of Human Resources (GCHR), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE). He has also presented on AI ethics, accessibility, and its transformative impact on higher education at regional and national conferences, including NASPA. Most recently, he developed CCGA’s inaugural course, “Artificial Intelligence and Business Innovation,” preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Week 1: Introduction to AI and Its Impact on Higher Education
- Overview of AI concepts and trends; guided reading of Mollick’s foundational chapters.
- Reflection: Where is AI already showing up on your campus, and what questions does it raise?
Week 2: Ethics, Bias, and Policy in AI Use
- Deep dive into ethical considerations, bias, privacy concerns, and institutional responsibilities.
- Case study: Real-world scenarios of AI successes and challenges in student affairs.
Week 3: Exploring AI Tools for Student Affairs
- Hands-on demos of key tools: Copilot, ChatGPT, chatbots, early alert systems, scheduling assistants.
- Workshop: Crafting and testing AI prompt engineering for practical tasks.
Week 4: AI for Communication, Engagement, and Support
- Strategies for using AI to personalize outreach, support services, and enhance engagement.
- Assignment: Develop a draft communication or engagement plan using AI tools.
Week 5: Building Your AI Action Plan
- Synthesis of course learnings: strategy, tools, ethical considerations, and next steps.
- Present and peer-review a tailored AI integration plan for your department or institution.