USC College of Information and Communications Unveils Groundbreaking AI Initiatives

USC College of Information and Communications Unveils Groundbreaking AI Initiatives

SOUTH CAROLINA — The University of South Carolina’s College of Information and Communications (CIC) has announced the launch of several ground-breaking initiatives in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), expected to greatly benefit businesses, nonprofits and individuals within and beyond South Carolina.

The initiatives include a state-wide AI training program, made possible by a $125,000 grant from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund. The program will feature sessions at each of the nine new Palmetto College iCarolina labs spread across South Carolina. Using platforms like ChatGPT, participants will learn how to use AI effectively, raising their productivity and enhancing their work quality.

Besides offering practical skills, CIC also remains mindful of the ethical implications of AI development and deployment. It has established a global AI Ethics Council for strategic communications, led by faculty member Shannon Bowen. The council includes reputed scholars from five continents and will deliver media commentary, training, research, policy analysis/statements, publications, and community engagement in AI ethics.

On an academic level, CIC is set to broaden its curriculum with specific courses on cyber and blockchain technologies, with AI fully incorporated in its Bachelor of Science in Information Science (BSIS) degree program. It will also become a part of all mandatory courses for the advertising track.

“These initiatives underscore our commitment to driving innovation and inclusivity in the field of AI,” commented CIC Dean Tom Reichert, “By providing training, expanding coursework offerings and prioritizing ethics, we are equipping our students and the people of South Carolina to harness the full potential of AI for the benefit of our state and our society.”