The Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence Series

Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) have collaborated to create a two-publication series to guide students as they learn about and use AI. The first Student Guide to AI was published in August 2024 and the second guide was published in May 2025. Both publications are available for free download and are published under a Creative Commons license, allowing individuals and institutions to excerpt and adapt material from the guides with proper attribution.

The 2025 guide is endorsed by:

• American Library Association
• NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
• EDUCAUSE
• Online Learning Consortium
• AMICAL Consortium

Navigating college in the age of AI

AI is transforming our world, often in ways we may not fully realize. This guide empowers students to engage with AI – academically, professionally and ethically. Understanding AI isn’t just useful; it’s essential. Learn to use AI responsibly, assess its influence critically, and join the conversation about its future.

Make it your goal to become skilled in using AI comfortably, effectively, safely and ethically. Learn AI’s capabilities and limitations. Understand when and how it can augment your work and when your unique human expertise and creativity is invaluable.

There is no doubt that AI will continue to evolve and impact many aspects of our lives. The changes ahead are hard to predict. This guide will help you get the most out of your college experience as you prepare for the revolution ahead.