Initiatives

Committee on the Future of the American University

For centuries, universities have been committed to seeking truth, advancing discovery-based knowledge and creative expression, and educating future generations — all in service to society. We are at a defining moment in higher education. Driven by the loss of public trust in universities, the reshaping of university-government relations, and rapid technological change including the emergence of artificial intelligence, the fundamental value of higher education is being questioned. This committee is charged with envisioning the long-term future of Cornell as an American university pursuing its core missions of education, scholarship, public impact, and community engagement. Across each of these missions, the committee will assess the challenges and opportunities presented at this historical moment, engaging with supporters and skeptics of our missions — within our university and beyond. How should the American university adapt to best serve future generations?

Cornell AI Initiative

Launched in 2021, the Cornell AI Initiative supports breakthroughs in artificial intelligence across disciplines and campuses. The initiative advances research, education, and innovation in AI to guide its responsible and transformative impact in areas including computing, cognitive science, robotics, agriculture, and law. Drawing on Cornell’s broad expertise, the initiative supports multidisciplinary projects, policy development, and startups that position the university as a global leader in AI.

Explore the AI Initiative

Presidential Task Force on Institutional Voice

President Kotlikoff and Provost Bala have established a task force to examine the university’s approach to speaking institutionally regarding matters of politics, ideology, current affairs, and world events. The task force is charged with weighing the implications of institutional voice in relation to individual expression, before issuing recommendations for how and when leadership should issue statements on such matters – and how members of our community can help guide these collective decisions.

Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault

President Kotlikoff and Provost Bala have established a task force to focus on addressing and preventing sexual assault on campus. The task force is charged with gathering data, reviewing existing research, examining strategies employed at peer institutions and consulting with the campus community and subject matter experts to make informed, actionable recommendations for reducing and preventing sexual assault at Cornell.