A student-led, values-based conversation on AI to better understand the student perspective and find ways to collaborate in shaping the role of AI at BC
BC Students Talk AI was a spring 2026 pilot initiative that gave students the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with peers about their experiences with AI and share their insights with the rest of the university.
The initiative was a partnership between Division of Student Affairs. Center for Digital Innovation and Learning (CDIL), and The Purpose Lab (led by Dr. Belle Liang). In addition to enhancing the student experience, this innovative cross-campus collaboration gave colleagues across Boston College the opportunity to experiment with new ways of working together on AI.
The format was adapted from the successful Debate Night Done Right framework, and the goal was to offer a low-effort, plug-and-play experience that integrates easily into existing courses.
Our goal was to create space for deliberation, discernment, and formation. We viewed this space as one in which students could reflect on how their values, disciplines, and responsibilities shape their use of emerging technologies.
How It Works for Students:
- Students signed up to host a conversation during one of four pre-set dates this spring (2/17, 2/19, 2/23, or 2/25). We provided the pizza, prompts, and all supplemental materials; students simply came to Maloney Hall to pick up what they needed.
- Students gathered in small groups for a facilitated discussion about AI, values, responsibility, and what it means to be a learner today.
- As part of the experience, they submitted a reflection sharing how the conversation went, what they learned about others and themselves, and provide us with some feedback.
How it Works for Faculty:
- We provided ready-to-use discussion questions, reflection prompts, and a sample Canvas discussion board post that faculty could copy directly into their syllabus or course site.
- Participation could serve as a class discussion, a reflection assignment, or an optional enrichment activity for your course.
- The planning team could also provide faculty with a list of any students who participated for their records
- With the students’ permission, anonymized reflections also contributed to ongoing research through the Purpose Lab, helping our community better understand how students are ethically and meaningfully engaging AI.
The Team
Student Affairs
- Colleen Dallavalle, Associate Vice President, Student Engagement & Formation, Division of Student Affairs
- Meghan Heckelman, Student Affairs Administrator, Engagement & Formation
Center for Digital Innovation in Learning (CDIL)
- Tim Lindgren, Associate Director, Design Innovation
- Noël Ingram, Digital Teaching Programs Administrator
AI Student Advisors
- Toby Ting (junior theology/philosophy major)
- Sara Bufi (junior biology and applied psychology major)
- Serin Wang (senior)
- Mackenzie Duffy (sophomore)
The Purpose Lab
- Belle Liang, Professor & Ascione Family Formation Fellow, Lynch School of Education & Human Development
- Elisa Liang, Ph.D. Student in Counseling Psychology, Lynch School of Education and Human Development