📄 Full text: EDUCAUSE · local
Definition
A large-scale survey (n=1,960) by EDUCAUSE (2026) examining how AI is reshaping work in higher education institutions — attitudes, adoption patterns, institutional strategies, risks, and opportunities.Key Statistics
- 81% feel enthusiasm or mixed caution/enthusiasm toward AI; only 17% cautious
- 73% of recent users employ AI daily or weekly (38% daily, 34% weekly)
- 94% used AI for work in past 6 months, but only 54% are aware of institutional policies
- 56% have used AI tools not provided by their institution (shadow AI)
- Only 13% of institutions measure ROI for AI tools
- 92% have a work-related AI strategy; 69% upskill existing staff via self-guided learning
- Top risks: misinformation (55%), data consent (52%), loss of fundamental skills (51%)
Implications
The survey reveals a significant policy-awareness gap: despite near-universal AI use, nearly half of respondents are unaware of institutional AI policies. This suggests policies either don't exist or aren't effectively communicated. The prevalence of "shadow AI" use (56%) indicates a disconnect between institutional tool provision and staff needs. Connects to faculty-development-genai regarding upskilling challenges and ai-literacy for the awareness gap.Related Pages
- universities-ai-era-rethinking — Institutional response to 94% staff AI usage in higher education