The threats from generative AI to student learning offers an opportunity to change the conversation about what we do with students in Higher Ed.  Current conversations with students and parents tend to focus on ROI measured by employment and salary outcomes, creating a transactional approach to education. If students use AI to replace the work of learning (cognitive off-loading), they deprive themselves of the experiences that build the neural networks and deep learning that ultimately secure their success–personal and professional–in the world.  Generative AI, thus, presents a challenge/opportunity to leaders in Higher Ed to change the conversation from transaction to transformation.

This work was done as a project for American Academic Leadership Institute's  (AALI) Senior Leadership Academy (SLA) in 2024-2025.