Improving Universities Through The Use of AI & Transformative Technology: A Case Study Analysis at The University of South Carolina

This thesis aims to give university leaders a practical guide to implementing AI, using lessons learned from the University of South Carolina’s experience as a case study. The project started with a review of literature and industry practices for the Finance & Administration division, which led to key deliverables like AI usage guidelines, DoIT’s position paper on AI systems, and the ParkUSC parking app. One ongoing project, Project Shuttlecock, even sets the stage for future AI initiatives at the university. AI holds immense promise, but universities often hesitate due to concerns about ethics, costs, and the learning curve for staff and students. Ethical worries—like potential issues around plagiarism, bias, and responsible use—are real, but they can be addressed with the right safeguards. Financial costs are another concern, but AI-driven solutions could replace outdated, expensive systems. Lastly, there’s the challenge of training staff to adopt these new systems; however, reskilling can bring teams together and make everyone more efficient. This thesis serves as a guide, not a strict formula, for other universities to build their own AI strategies, using USC’s work as a flexible framework.