UNG Students Advocate Against AI Name Announcements at Graduation
Students Petition Against AI Use in Graduation Ceremony
Graduation is a momentous occasion, especially for students at the University of North Georgia (UNG). However, this year, many students are expressing dissatisfaction with how their commencement ceremony will be conducted. A significant portion of the discontent stems from the university’s decision to use artificial intelligence (AI) to announce graduates’ names during the ceremony.
AI Implementation in UNG’s Commencement
Background on the Controversy
The concerns began when students learned that their names would be read by an AI voice rather than by a faculty member. This information prompted a group of students, led by Emily Schwarzmann, to initiate a petition advocating for the use of human announcers at the graduation ceremony. Schwarzmann articulated her enthusiasm for graduating while expressing disappointment over the use of technology in a deeply personal event.
Student Reactions
For students like Schwarzmann, relying on AI to announce their names feels dismissive of their hard work. She mentioned, “It is almost demeaning to the hard work that we put in,” emphasizing that graduation is a significant achievement deserving of a more personal touch. Other students echoed similar sentiments, believing that having a human voice announce their names would convey the importance of the moment better than AI could.
Cooper Turner, another graduating student, voiced his skepticism regarding the accuracy of AI-generated announcements. He shared concerns that mispronunciations could lead to a disappointing experience for graduates on an occasion they have worked so hard to reach.
The Petition for Human Connection
In light of these concerns, a petition has been circulated among students, demanding a stronger "human-to-human connection" during the commencement ceremony. The sentiments expressed highlight a collective desire for a traditional and personal graduation experience, reflecting the hard work and dedication students have shown throughout their academic journeys.
University’s Response to Concerns
Official Statement from UNG
The University of North Georgia responded to this growing concern, although they declined to speak with media representatives on camera. Instead, they provided a written statement clarifying their position. The university emphasized that commencement is a milestone event and that they are committed to making it memorable for graduates and their families.
The statement explained that the AI technology being implemented uses advanced voiceover systems operated by skilled human artists. This approach aims to ensure accurate pronunciations of graduates’ names. If the system struggles with a particular name, the same voiceover artist is tasked with recording the name manually, following guidance from the graduate to maintain accuracy and respect.
Ensuring a Special Experience
The university’s assurance reflects their intention to preserve the significance of the graduation ceremony. By utilizing technology, they claim to enhance the accuracy of name announcements while still employing skilled human voices. This blend of technology and human artistry aims to balance efficiency with the personal touch that graduation ceremonies typically provide.
Looking Ahead
As graduation approaches, scheduled for May 14, the debate surrounding the use of AI in the ceremony continues. The university’s commitment to both technological advancement and traditional values will be tested as they attempt to cater to the desires of their students while also managing operational efficiencies.
In this instance, the incorporation of AI has unveiled a broader conversation about technology’s role in significant life events and the importance of maintaining human connections amidst digital innovation.
