Harnessing AI to Break Silos: Wisdom from the University of Rochester

In the latest episode of Breaking Silos, host Shane Baglini sits down with Brian Piper, Director of Content Strategy and Assessment at the University of Rochester, and Megan Crawford, Senior Marketing Strategist at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Together, they delve into the university's innovative use of AI to foster collaboration across campus, highlighting the formation of a university-wide AI council and its impact on breaking down traditional silos.

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A Legacy of AI at the University of Rochester

The University of Rochester has a rich history of utilizing AI, dating back to the 1980s. However, the advent of generative AI in 2022 marked a significant turning point. Brian Piper, who has been at the forefront of this transformation, explored the potential of tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and DALL-E, realizing their immense value in marketing, data analysis, and content personalization.

To harness this potential, Brian proposed the creation of a MarCom AI committee in early 2023. This committee, comprising about 20 members from diverse university departments, was tasked with integrating AI into their workflows and fostering cross-campus collaboration. This initiative laid the groundwork for the broader AI council, which includes representatives from various domains such as clinical, research, academic, administrative, and marketing communications.

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Bridging Gaps and Fostering Collaboration

Megan Crawford joined the university with a mission to break down silos within the medical center. Coming from a business background, she was struck by the lack of awareness among researchers about the resources available to them. Her role involved not only marketing the center's technologies externally but also ensuring that internal stakeholders were informed and engaged.

The collaboration with Brian and the AI committee provided Megan with a broader network of marketers and innovators across the university. This network enabled knowledge sharing and joint problem-solving, highlighting the importance of breaking down barriers to foster innovation and efficiency.

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The Role of AI in Enhancing Workflows

One of the AI council's primary goals is to integrate AI into MarCom workflows across the university. Megan emphasizes the urgency of ensuring that no one is left behind in this technological shift. The council focuses on both the potential benefits and the ethical considerations of AI, particularly in handling sensitive data within the medical center.

Brian and his team have been proactive in developing institutional guidelines for the use of generative AI. These guidelines, formulated within the first three months of the council's formation, have been adopted by the university and are set to be publicly available. Additionally, the council has created training modules to educate staff on the risks and best practices associated with AI tools.

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Leadership Buy-In and Institutional Support

Gaining support from university leadership has been crucial to the success of the AI initiative. Brian underscores the importance of demonstrating AI's capabilities and showcasing what peer institutions are doing. This approach helps highlight the risks of not embracing AI, such as falling behind in preparing students for a tech-driven future.

Megan shares that leadership buy-in at the medical center has been pivotal in de-stigmatizing AI. By encouraging open dialogue about AI's potential and addressing fears about job displacement, leaders have fostered a supportive environment for AI adoption.

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Looking Ahead: Goals and Impact

The AI council at the University of Rochester has ambitious goals. They are currently testing various AI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini Pro, and Copilot, to identify the most effective solutions for different use cases. This ongoing exploration aims to equip the university with the best tools and practices for AI integration.

Both Brian and Megan see AI as a means to enhance competitive advantage and improve workflows. Megan highlights the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, from disease investigation to personalized patient care. Brian envisions the university acting as a resource for the local community, sharing their knowledge and helping local businesses leverage AI for efficiency and growth.

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Key Takeaways:

• AI Integration: The University of Rochester is leveraging AI to foster collaboration and break down silos across campus.
• Guidelines and Training: Institutional guidelines and training modules ensure the safe and ethical use of AI.
• Leadership Support: Buy-in from university leadership is crucial for de-stigmatizing AI and encouraging adoption.
• Future Goals: The AI council aims to identify the best AI tools and practices to enhance competitive advantage and community engagement.

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For more insights and to explore how the University of Rochester is leading the way in AI adoption, listen to the full episode of Breaking Silos on the Enrollify Podcast Network. Connect with Brian Piper and Megan Crawford on LinkedIn for further discussions and insights into implementing AI at your institution.