SMU announced on 11 Aug 2026 the phased implementation of its "AI Education Strategy," approved by its Board of Trustees in February. Starting in the academic year 2027, SMU's undergraduate education will focus on three key areas: strengthening students' fundamental skills to function independently of AI, cultivating responsible and effective use of AI, and enhancing judgment, teamwork, and creativity. In line with this strategy, SMU will launch new courses in the coming academic year across fields including AI, sustainability, law, psychology, business, technology, and the arts.
SMU Professor of Information Systems (Education) and Vice Provost (Education Strategy and Innovations) Venky Shankararaman said that preparing students for the AI era is not simply about adding an AI course. He said that students must first be able to demonstrate they can work independently of AI before learning to apply AI in their own professions and leverage the unique value humans bring. Moreover, starting in the new academic year, SMU will offer all students free access to Google's Gemini Education Plus.