College and university faculty nationwide are sounding alarms about generative artificial intelligence's effects on teaching and student learning, with 95% warning that the technology will increase student overreliance on AI tools, according to a new survey released Wednesday.
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Academic integrity has emerged as a pressing concern, with 78% of faculty reporting that cheating has increased since GenAI tools became widely available. Nearly three-quarters said they have personally dealt with academic integrity cases involving student use of AI.
"When more than nine in ten faculty warn that generative AI may weaken critical thinking and increase student overreliance, it is clear that higher education is at an inflection point," said Eddie Watson, Vice President for Digital Innovation at AAC&U.
The survey, conducted between October 29 and November 26, 2025, shows faculty believe the technology threatens the value of college degrees. Seventy-four percent said GenAI will affect academic degrees' integrity and value for the worse, while only 8% expect positive effects.
Faculty remain divided on what constitutes legitimate AI use. About half consider it cheating for students to follow detailed AI-generated outlines when writing papers, while the other half view it as acceptable or remain unsure.
Despite concerns, many faculty acknowledge potential benefits. Sixty-nine percent address AI literacy topics in their teaching, and 61% believe GenAI could enhance personalized learning. However, 59% said their institutions are not adequately prepared to use the tools effectively.
