Drake University Forms AI Curriculum Committee

The committee aims to integrate artificial intelligence into student learning outcomes over the next year.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring a geometric prism within a stone archway, representing academic structure and AI integration. — Drake University has established a new committee to integrate artificial intelligence into academic curriculum and student learning outcomes by next year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In April 2026, Drake University President Marty Martin established a committee to develop recommendations for artificial intelligence integration. The group is tasked with creating guidance for incorporating AI literacy into academic programs.

Why it matters

President Martin created the committee due to concerns regarding AI outsourcing student work and the technology's overall impact on interpersonal relationships. The university seeks to establish supportive resources rather than enforcing blanket restrictions on AI use.

The committee is tasked with meeting over a 1-year duration to establish institutional support and AI proficiency standards. Subcommittee members are currently evaluating the integration of literacy into existing Areas of Inquiry.

The players

Marty Martin

He is the President of Drake University who initiated the push for AI curriculum oversight.

Keren Forenza

She serves as the Chief Information Technology Officer and co-leads the AI curriculum committee.

Tim Urness

He is a computer science professor and co-leader of the university's AI curriculum committee.

The details

Co-led by Chief Information Technology Officer Keren Forenza and professor Tim Urness, the committee includes various deans and faculty members. Future steps involve adding student representatives and presenting final recommendations for review by the Faculty Senate and curriculum committee.

President Marty Martin formed the artificial intelligence committee in April 2026.
The committee expects to complete its meetings in Spring 2027.

The Tech Race

This effort represents a shift from reactive AI bans toward formalizing AI as a component of Drake University's Information Literacy Areas of Inquiry. It positions the institution to balance academic integrity with the necessity of teaching technical proficiency.

Students and faculty at Drake University can expect new guidelines regarding the use of AI in their coursework as the curriculum committee finalizes its recommendations. These changes will ultimately define how digital tools are integrated into the classroom experience.

The takeaway

Universities are increasingly moving away from simple prohibitions to focus on incorporating AI into established literacy frameworks. Faculty and students should prepare for evolving academic requirements that reflect the integration of these tools into standard learning processes.