As artificial intelligence continues to redefine how we learn and work, DeVry University will embed AI literacy and skill building into every course by the end of the year.
The effort expands on the automation and machine-learning curriculum DeVry launched in 2020, adding new AI-focused courses and credentials and embedding AI learning assistants in every class. It’s all part of the institution’s push to give every student the technical proficiency and applied fluency needed to succeed in an AI-augmented workforce.
Elise Awwad, president and chief executive officer of DeVry University, said AI literacy is an important skill set for students to have across disciplines and industries as the workplace rapidly evolves.
“What I’ve realized from talking to employers and watching workforce trends is AI skills are going to be a baseline and a necessity, and perhaps may even be a basic requirement for job descriptions,” Awwad said. “So we’ve got to take ownership of that as educators, and we’ve got to get our students prepared for what’s happening.”
This comes as DeVry’s annual report on upskilling and reskilling, which draws on a survey of more than 1,500 workers and over 500 employers, found that “while workers highly value AI skills, they lack clarity on how to use them effectively.” The survey also found that, as AI transforms the workplace, 78 percent of employers and 63 percent of workers say durable skills like critical thinking, communication and adaptability are emerging as the true drivers of job security and career advancement.
“Everyone’s using [AI] in some way, shape or form,” Awwad said. “Our goal is to embed that into the curriculum in ways where they’re using it differently in each course so [students] can understand that you have to implement critical thinking as well.”
The strategy: Awwad said DeVry faculty are participating in a proprietary AI training program, “created by faculty for faculty,” to ensure they can effectively support students’ development of AI fluency.
“Faculty are very much involved because they’re going to be at the center of teaching,” Awwad said. “It’s a standard program that we’ve embedded across all faculty—both full-time and part-time—to make sure they’re supporting AI fluency development through coursework, discussions, projects and learning experiences.”
DeVry also plans to expand its applied AI coursework, specializations and certificates in business, and technology programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.
“Employers want human-centric skills alongside technical skills … AI fluency is all about that,” Awwad said. “It’s not just about how to prompt something, it’s about applying those durable skills as well.”
Awwad noted that AI learning assistants will be embedded in every course, providing real-time conversational support whenever students need it. She added that the assistants currently handle more than 90 percent of routine student questions—such as how to submit assignments or check grades—reducing friction and allowing faculty to focus on higher-value instruction and mentorship.
In addition, Awwad said the university uses advisers as well as AI tools to support students. Among students who received targeted outreach and tutoring, 80 percent saw improved assignment grades, and 96 percent either graduated or persisted in their studies.
“This commitment for us is about expanding access for every student to develop the technical proficiency and fluency needed in this now AI-augmented workforce,” Awwad said. “I don’t want our learners graduating without this skill set, because they would be at a severe disadvantage.”
The response: Awwad said other institutions shouldn’t shy away from implementing AI across their campuses.
“There’s been so much noise out there of folks scared of bringing AI into the classroom, and we certainly don’t want any academic integrity issues, but shying away from it is not realistic,” Awwad said. “Learners are going to use it, so how are they using it? Are they applying critical thinking? Are they applying the creativity needed alongside it?”
She added that responsibly embracing AI now gives educators the opportunity to guide students in developing the skills and judgment they’ll need.
“Don’t take your eye off the ball, because we owe it to society to train [students] on what’s going to be necessary in the future,” Awwad said.
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