Not long ago, enrollment offices were grappling with the transition from manual, paper-based systems for processing student applications, to digital-first solutions. Today’s students now expect seamless and efficient enrollment procedures that provide information and actionable steps on-demand, and at their fingertips.
Now, less than 30 years after the internet required admissions offices around the world to rethink their practices, the rapid rise of AI is prompting admissions offices to adapt yet again—this time, even more quickly.
As a leader in AI, we’ve been on the leading edge of these emerging technologies to incorporate AI-driven tools into our work. Recently, we partnered with the Canadian Association of Graduate Studies to share insights from working in Duolingo’s unique, AI-first culture with Graduate Studies professionals across Canada.
Here are five key take aways admissions offices can use to accelerate AI adoption and enhance the experience for both staff and students:
1. AI can be a superpower for higher ed professionals
From integration with email systems, to workflow automation, knowledge management and customized analytics reporting there are a wide range of AI-powered tools available to automate and scale day to day tasks, creating capacity to focus on more strategic and high stakes work like student-facing engagement. Many of the tools already in use now have built-in AI features making them available in offices instantly, at no additional cost.
2. Training and tools can help teams succeed
Despite the accessibility of AI tools, many people are hesitant to adopt them. Upskilling on new tech can be daunting, especially when institutional policies are unclear, and time is limited.
An easy place to start is by encouraging a culture of continuous learning, allowing staff to dedicate a bit of time each week to trying out different AI tools for their work. Focus on building a culture of experimentation, and keep an eye out for industry webinars, free online courses, and mentorship opportunities on your own campus or within your team.
3. Ethics and standards must be at the forefront
As individual teams and institutions race to figure out what AI means for their policies and practices, there are a couple things individuals and managers can do immediately center ethics and standards in their AI adoption. The first is seeing if their institution has established any AI-policies or selected specific tools for institutional use. There may also be overlap with existing policies related to privacy and data, so it’s good to double check those as well. Ensuring that all team members are informed about policy implications will help them feel empowered to use the tools while staying within the scope of their approved use.
Finally, ask your existing vendors who have integrated AI into their products for details about their AI standards. For example, what information is their model trained on? Have they published responsible AI guidelines? How are they mitigating bias in their tools? For example, our Responsible AI Standards report outlines how we approach AI across our products—including the Duolingo English Test—with clear principles to guide ethical innovation. You should expect transparency and openness from all partners when it comes to their use of AI.
4. Students may be a step ahead
Students are embracing AI for everything from online search and career and life advice to assisting with academic work. As you set your admissions policies and collaborate on program and curriculum development, consider how you can help students use AI as a supplemental rather than a prohibited tool.
For example, by accepting the Duolingo English Test for proof of English proficiency, you’re giving students an option to meet your admission requirements through an online, AI-powered tool that gives them a faster, accessible, affordable solution, while providing you with the secure and thorough results you need.
5. We must rethink how we'll interact with new technologies
Higher ed professionals aren’t going anywhere—but your office has an opportunity to rethink where and when human skills intersect with technology to select and enroll a diverse and qualified applicant in the most efficient and impactful way possible.
At Duolingo, our team members play a role in every aspect of the Duolingo English Test, from content creation to security to customer support. Embracing AI lets us do more of what we do best. We hope you and your team will find the same experience!