Womxn, It’s Time to Lead the Generative AI Revolution in Higher Education

Generative artificial intelligence is transforming higher education in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. From how we connect with students to how we handle our daily to-do lists, this technology is changing the game. Chances are, you’ve already come across it. Maybe ChatGPT helped you draft an email, or an AI tool guided a student through their course registration. It’s becoming part of the nature of higher education.

So, what exactly is generative AI? Simply put, it’s technology that creates. It uses machine learning to generate text, images, audio, and more in ways that mimic human responses (Chan & Colloton, 2024). Think of it as an incredibly efficient assistant that never runs out of energy. Tools like ChatGPT are designed to take repetitive tasks off your plate, giving you the time and mental space to focus on more meaningful work. For example, instead of spending hours responding to logistical questions or compiling data, you could use that time to connect with students or design impactful programs.

Generative AI allows you to shift your focus to the work that you care most about. It can create smarter, more personalized plans that allow student affairs professionals to bring their ideas to life. But despite its potential, not everyone is on board, and womxn face unique barriers to embracing this technology.

The Generative AI Gender Gap

Womxn are statistically less likely to use generative AI tools than men, and it’s important to be clear about why. It's not a matter of interest or ability. Instead, systemic challenges and ingrained biases have created barriers that make these tools feel less accessible to womxn.

One of the biggest challenges is the perception of technology as a space dominated by men (Ridgeway, 2011). This narrative has limited womxn’s opportunities to explore tools like generative AI. These barriers make AI feel intimidating or out of reach, even for experienced professionals in the field of student affairs (Young et al., 2021). Societal stereotypes often discourage womxn from seeing themselves as leaders of technology and innovation. Additionally, womxn often feel pressure to prove themselves (Crawford, 2021). Many womxn fear that relying on AI tools could make them seem less competent or even lead others to accuse them of taking shortcuts or cheating. These attitudes stem from a long history of undermining womxn’s achievements and creating unnecessary doubt about the value they bring.

Additonally, generative AI systems come with their own set of biases. These tools are trained on data pulled from history. This data often reflets outdated and inequitable social norms. This means generative AI can unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes (Chan & Colloton, 2024). That’s why it’s so important for womxn to get involved, use these tools, and shape how they evolve. AI learns and adapts over time, and it needs to remember and represent womxn’s voices.

These barriers represent missed opportunities for growth and innovation in higher education. Creativity, connection, and inclusivity are at the heart of our work in student affairs, and generative AI offers a means of amplifying the impact we have on our students. Womxn deserve to be at the forefront of shaping how these tools are utilized.

Why Womxn in Student Affairs Should Use Generative AI

If you're a womxn who has yet to explore the possibilities of generative AI, you are missing out. This is your sign to explore! Generative AI can take over repetitive and time-consuming tasks like drafting routine emails, organizing student data, or creating reports. By automating these responsibilities, you free up valuable time to focus on meaningful work like mentoring students, building connections, and creating inclusive spaces on campus.

Womxn in student affairs have a million ideas, but limited time. Generative AI can help bring your vision to life. It can assist in creating impactful messaging for higher education initiatives, generating creative designs and materials, or even brainstorming new approaches to programming or curriculum design. Generative AI enables student affairs professionals to better connect with specific groups, personalize learning experiences, and enhance their marketing strategies (Marketing AI Institute, 2023).

Engaging with generative AI tools gives womxn the opportunity to challenge biases embedded in these systems. By actively using and contributing to the development of generative AI, you can help shape technology that reflects diverse perspectives in higher education.

The Time to Lead is Now

Gen-AI serves as an invitation to rethink how we work, prioritize tasks, and practice in the field. For womxn in student affairs, specifically, embracing these tools means breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating campuses that are innovative, efficient, and connected. The potential of generative AI is limitless, and the impact womxn can have by exploring its possibilities is huge. Let’s show the world what happens when womxn lead with AI. The results are going to be incredible.

References

Chan, C., & Colloton, T. (2024). Generative AI in higher education: The ChatGPT effect. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003459026

Crawford, J. T. (2019). Imposter syndrome for women in male dominated careers. Hastings Women’s Law Journal, 32(2), 31-32.

Marketing AI Institute. (2023). The AI for higher education blueprint: Preparing universities for the future. Marketing AI Institute.

Ridgeway, C. L. (2011). Framed by gender: How gender inequality persists in the modern world. Oxford University Press.

U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2024). Artificial intelligence: Generative AI technologies and their commercial applications (GAO-24-106946). U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Young, E., Wajcman, J. & Sprejer, L. (2021). Where are the women? Mapping the gender job gap in AI. Policy briefing summary. The Alan Turing Institute.

Joey Rios is a graduate student in the College Student Personnel program at Western Illinois University. She focuses on student leadership development, recruitment, and retention. Joey also works as a Manager of Member Experience at The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She is a member of the WISA leadership team and is passionate about empowering womxn to succeed, especially in the field of student affairs.