Sponsored by Acuity Insights
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s already rapidly transforming industries, from healthcare and finance to education and beyond. For higher education institutions, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. As AI reshapes the workforce, admissions professionals, administrators, and policymakers must ensure that students have the skills and knowledge to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Dr. Kelly Dore, VP of Science and Innovation at Acuity Insights and adjunct professor at McMaster University emphasizes the urgency of integrating AI literacy into higher education. With a PhD in cognitive psychology and extensive experience in higher education, Dr. Dore highlights the need for institutions to rethink traditional curricula and admissions strategies to align with the demands of an AI-centric future.
What Skills Should Institutions Prioritize for an AI-Driven Future?
The rise of generative AI has disrupted traditional career pathways, necessitating a shift in how higher education institutions prepare students. While technical skills remain essential, Dr. Dore underscores the growing importance of " durable skills"—critical thinking, resilience, communication, teamwork, and leadership. These competencies enable students to adapt to rapid technological changes and transition seamlessly across roles and industries.
For admissions professionals, this shift means reevaluating how student potential is assessed. Beyond academic metrics, institutions must identify applicants who demonstrate adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving abilities—essential for success in an AI-driven economy.
How Higher Ed Institutions Can Prepare Students to Thrive in an AI-Driven World
Dr. Dore suggests the following ways institutions can support students and help them prepare for a world shaped by artificial intelligence:
Integrate AI Literacy into Curricula
Incorporating AI literacy into academic programs is a complex but necessary endeavor. This is imperative to help students remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This requires developing clear guidelines for AI use in academic settings, ensuring students understand the capabilities and limitations of AI tools. In addition, institutions must provide resources and training to help educators integrate AI into their teaching through AI-generated supplementary materials or AI-powered tutoring systems. Encouraging faculty to share best practices and innovative AI integration strategies helps foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.
Provide Ethical Training in AI Education
As AI becomes more pervasive, ethical considerations must be at the forefront of higher education strategies. Students must learn to assess AI outputs for biases, inaccuracies, and ethical implications and ensure that AI resources are accessible to all students, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Develop Strategic Partnerships: Bridging Academia and Industry
Collaborations between higher education institutions and tech companies are essential for staying ahead of AI trends. These partnerships can provide students with hands-on experience using cutting-edge AI tools. They also help align curricula with industry needs, ensuring graduates are job-ready and fostering innovative research that addresses real-world challenges. Investing in these collaborations is a strategic move to strengthen the link between education and workforce development.
Why a Holistic Approach to Admissions is Critical in an AI-Driven Era
Integrating AI into higher education underscores the need for a holistic approach to admissions. Traditional metrics like GPA and standardized test scores are no longer sufficient to gauge a student's potential in a world where adaptability and innovation are paramount.
Key Benefits of Holistic Admissions:
Widen the Applicant Pool: By evaluating applicants based on life experiences, resilience, and leadership potential, institutions can attract a broader pool of candidates who bring unique perspectives to the academic community.
Enhance Institutional Reputation: Graduates who excel in the workforce—thanks to their well-rounded skill sets—bolster their alma mater's reputation, making the institution more attractive to future applicants and employers.
Address Enrollment Challenges: As the enrollment cliff looms, holistic admissions can help non-elite institutions differentiate themselves by emphasizing their commitment to student success and belonging.
By taking proactive steps today, higher education institutions can position themselves as leaders in shaping the future of education and workforce readiness in an AI-dominated era.