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As the world of higher ed continues to evolve at lightning speed, many students are understandably feeling some pressure<\/a> to keep up. And that\u2019s having a significant impact on the way they\u2019re operating day-to-day in and out of the classroom. Over the past few years, faculty have reported noticeable changes in student expectations, with 49%<\/a> recently telling us that the need to adapt to those expectations is a top challenge.<\/p>\n So, what\u2019s shifting, and how can faculty better adapt to meet their students where they are without going overboard? Let\u2019s examine two examples of how needs and expectations are changing: AI use and deadline extension requests.<\/p>\n Last year, 46% of those we surveyed in our annual Faces of Faculty report named combating cheating and plagiarism as a top challenge, down only slightly from 49% in 2023<\/a>. And as AI becomes a bigger, more integral part of the higher ed experience,<\/a> it\u2019s growing increasingly difficult for many students to distinguish between responsible AI use and academic dishonesty.<\/p>\n Forty-two percent<\/a> of faculty we surveyed say they see significant or severe ethical and legal risks associated with generative AI in education, with 82% of instructors<\/a> expressing concern specifically about AI and academic integrity. While today\u2019s students expect AI to play some kind of role in the learning process, many stand on shaky ground when it comes to applying it ethically in their coursework.<\/p>\n As we reported<\/a>, many instructors are taking a proactive approach<\/a> when it comes to combatting this issue:<\/p>\n \u201cSpending a lot more time and effort identifying and using reliable plagiarism detection software, especially AI detectors.\u201d \u2013 Faculty member<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Another example of changing student needs is the growing expectation from students that their extension requests will be granted. But this has left many instructors feeling overwhelmed, not only by the number of requests to keep track of, but by a rising uncertainty over which requests are based on legitimate reasons. This may very well be a contributing factor for 35% of faculty<\/a> who cited perceived dishonesty and lack of accountability from students as a top driver of dissatisfaction in 2024.<\/p>\n An adjunct professor from Virginia told us, \u201cI leaned into adapting to students\u2019 expectations, but this became somewhat unmanageable when teaching multiple courses. I am also concerned with setting a precedent for future students in my courses if current students share that accommodations are easily given.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the challenges that this shift presents, many instructors are jumping in to accommodate extension requests from students, offering both patience and a generally high level of understanding. Faculty acknowledge that today\u2019s students have a lot to contend with these days \u2014 from financial stressors to academic and social pressures \u2014 and they\u2019re prepared to flex to those challenges.<\/p>\n \u201cI became more flexible. I get annoyed by professors my age who ignore the fact that today\u2019s students are under ten times the pressure we were when we were undergraduates. Some of these students are carrying a full course load while working two jobs.\u201d \u2013 Other professor role\/lecturer\/course instructor, Ontario<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n While they\u2019re empathic to students\u2019 evolving needs, instructors are ready to set their own boundaries when necessary. One faculty member told us, \u201cFor the most part, I held firm in my deadlines. I did however increase the number of reminders I sent.\u201d<\/p>\n Regardless of the approach, clear communication with students remains at the heart of how faculty are dealing with this particular shift. Another instructor said, \u201cI look at the individual situation and adapt\u2026I remind students to complete items early to avoid unexpected delays. If there is a technology issue, then I will extend if it is communicated timely.\u201d<\/p>\n We\u2019re happy to see our faculty skillfully weaving through these obstacles while remaining committed to adapting to new student expectations.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n <\/div>\nThe line between responsible AI use and cheating is fuzzy for some students<\/h2>\n
How instructors are responding<\/h2>\n
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Extension requests: pushing deadlines and boundaries<\/h2>\n
How instructors are responding<\/h2>\n
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To get a full picture about what 1,355 surveyed U.S. and Canadian faculty had to say about changes in student expectations, read our 2024 Faces of Faculty report<\/a>.<\/h2>\n