Artificial intelligence isn't coming for higher ed. It’s already here. In this episode of the Student Success Podcast, I sat down with Brent Warner, a faculty member at Irvine Valley College, to unpack the practical implications of AI for college faculty and students. This wasn't a “robots will replace us” conversation. It was an honest, grounded look at what educators should consider right now.

Here are five key takeaway and some action steps to consider:

1. Get Curious About How Students Are Already Using AI

Action Step:
Start class conversations about AI use. Ask students how they’ve encountered tools like ChatGPT. Create surveys or quick classroom polls to understand their experiences and motivations. This opens up a nonjudgmental space to build shared awareness and clarify expectations.

2. Carve Out Time to Experiment Without Pressure

Action Step:
Schedule “AI sandbox” time during department meetings or professional development sessions. Use this time to explore tools together, ask questions, and brainstorm how AI might enhance—not replace—teaching. Encourage colleagues to try one small use case, like generating a sample quiz or brainstorming discussion prompts. (Check out the list of resources below that Brent discussed).

3. Redesign Assignments to Promote Higher-Order Thinking

Action Step:
Identify which assignments can be completed entirely by AI (e.g., generic essays) and revise them to emphasize critical thinking, personal reflection, or real-world application. Consider integrating process-focused checkpoints, like annotated drafts or video reflections, that showcase student thinking along the way.

4. Use AI as a Planning Tool, Not a Final Product

Action Step:
Leverage AI to support your own workflow. Try using it to generate draft lesson plans, rubrics, or sample prompts. Review and revise with your own expertise. This not only saves time in the long run, but models responsible use for students.

5. Stay Equity-Focused in AI Integration

Action Step:
Survey your students on their access to technology and include free or low-barrier alternatives when assigning work. Discuss ethical use of AI and share guidance on navigating bias and misinformation. Include clear policies in your syllabus but most importantly, invite dialogue, not fear.

Final Thought:
You don’t need to overhaul your course overnight. But small, intentional shifts can build your confidence, and create a more transparent, equitable environment for students navigating AI.

Key Chapter Makers
00:00: Introduction
03:10: Why Faculty Shouldn’t Panic About AI
07:35: Students Are Already Using AI
13:00: AI in the Classroom
19:00: Rethinking Assignments
25:15: Transparency with Students
37:00: Conversations and the Learning Process
42:20: Be Curious, Be Reflective, Be Human

For the full transcript and detailed show notes, visit the episode page.

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