As generative AI rapidly reshapes higher education, much of the conversation has focused on how faculty should respond. Less attention has been given to how students are actually using AI and thinking about it. This research talk presents findings from repeated cross-sectional surveys of undergraduate and graduate students in the Covey College of Allied Health Professions (Fall 2024, Fall 2025; N=493). Daily AI use increased from 5% to 26%, yet overall attitudes toward AI did not become more positive. Graduate students reported higher use and greater ease than undergraduates, but concerns about over-reliance, biased information, and loss of human connection remained strong across groups. Differences between undergraduates and graduates, as well as between frequent and infrequent users, suggest that student perspectives are more layered than simple assumptions about enthusiasm or avoidance. This study offers faculty across disciplines a clearer, student-informed perspective for shaping expectations, policies, and classroom practices.

Presenters

• Tara Davis taradavis@southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama
• Preston Warren ppwarren@southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama
• Missy Curtis macurtis@southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama
• Cathy Cooper ccooper@southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama
• Susan Gordon-Hickey gordonhickey@southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama