Committee findings and resignation
Santiago Schnell has resigned as Dartmouth College’s provost and is leaving the university, President Sian Leah Beilock told the college community on Wednesday. WCAX reported that a faculty-led committee found artificial intelligence had meaningfully altered Schnell’s writing for at least one publication and that he had not been forthcoming about using the technology. The committee concluded that his conduct likely violated Dartmouth’s code of conduct.
Beilock said Schnell made the decision to depart and that Dartmouth’s senior leaders must uphold the highest standards. Schnell had maintained that he used AI to refine his work. In an opinion article for The Dartmouth, he apologized for failing to disclose his use of the technology and said he was required to meet the highest standard.
Students and faculty had signed a letter asking Dartmouth’s Board of Trustees to remove Schnell as provost. The Dartmouth reported, according to WCAX, that history professor and associate dean Matthew Delmont will serve as interim provost.
Dartmouth discusses AI norms
Beilock said Dartmouth must foster discussion and debate as it establishes shared norms for artificial intelligence. She said those conversations should include both people who see potential in the technology and those questioning how it is used.
The college is also hosting a conference titled “AI at 70: What Must Remain Human?” Beilock said the event would bring together participants with differing views on AI and its use.