Pace University’s Graduation Ceremony Sparks Debate Over Use of Artificial Intelligence

Pace University’s graduation ceremony has made headlines after the school used artificial intelligence (AI) to read out students’ names. This decision aimed to ensure accurate pronunciation but has sparked a heated debate among viewers of the event on social media.

The Process

Before the ceremony, students were directed to a website where they could phonetically spell their names and confirm how they wanted them pronounced. This allowed for precise control over the announcement of names, which is particularly important for individuals with non-English surnames or unusual first names.

Reactions

A viral video on Instagram shows students queuing to have QR codes scanned before their names were read aloud by AI. Reactions have been mixed:

• Criticism: Some commenters labeled the practice as "lazy" or "cheesy."
• Praise: Others viewed it as a brilliant innovation that streamlines the process while ensuring accuracy.

One commenter noted that Northeastern University has adopted a similar approach, where students record their names for pronunciation, which an AI voice then reads aloud. This indicates that Pace University is not alone in utilizing AI-generated voices at graduation ceremonies.

Broader Implications

The use of AI-generated voices has sparked a broader debate on social media platforms like Instagram and Threads. While some appreciate the efficiency and precision offered by this technology, others express concern about its implications for human jobs across various industries.

A common sentiment among critics is that "AI is eating [their] jobs," highlighting valid concerns as automation and AI are increasingly integrated into sectors such as customer service, data entry, and even content creation.

Conclusion

Pace University’s decision to use AI-generated voices at its graduation ceremony may seem minor at first glance, but it raises significant questions about our relationship with technology. As we continue to rely more heavily on automation and AI in our daily lives, it is essential to consider the implications for employment and the future of human roles in various fields.

The Trend in Higher Education

In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward using AI technology in educational institutions. At Pace University’s recent commencement ceremony, the use of AI for name announcements was a notable departure from traditional human announcers. This change was primarily due to the large number of graduates, necessitating separate conferral ceremonies.

To ensure every graduate received proper recognition without pronunciation errors, university officials opted for digital tools powered by advanced speech synthesis algorithms.

Implementation

Prior to the ceremonies, students received email links directing them to Google Sites, where they filled out forms with phonetic spellings and desired pronunciations of their names. This dual-purpose submission allowed for both accurate representation and a smoother overall experience.

Future Considerations

While some may view the reliance on automated systems as a replacement for traditional methods, others see the benefits of utilizing cutting-edge technologies, especially in higher education settings where efficient communication is increasingly important.

As noted, Northeastern University employs a similar approach, involving pre-recorded audio files of student introductions played back during commencement events. This raises interesting questions about the potential future applications of such technologies beyond ceremonial contexts, potentially impacting employment opportunities and challenging conventional norms.

It remains to be seen whether other educational institutions will adopt similar approaches, leveraging digital tools to enhance experiences related to significant milestones in higher education.