Artificial intelligence is increasingly present in higher education workplaces, yet much of the conversation focuses on student use, instructional policy, or future potential rather than how employees are currently engaging with AI in their professional lives. This session presents findings from a departmental survey at a Tier 3 research institution exploring how staff, administrators, and leadership are using AI tools today, and how they feel about that use. Survey results highlight a wide range of AI-supported professional practices, including productivity tasks, content generation, planning, problem-solving, and exploratory learning. Participants also shared perspectives on the appropriateness of AI use in their roles, ethical considerations, and concerns related to academic integrity, expertise, and over-reliance on automation. Responses reflect varying levels of AI literacy, confidence, and caution, revealing both enthusiasm and hesitation as individuals navigate AI’s role in academic and professional work. Rather than focusing on policy or compliance, this session centers human experience and professional judgment, offering insight into how higher education employees are making sense of AI in real time. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of current AI practices across institutional roles and practical considerations for supporting AI literacy, professional workflows, and thoughtful integration of AI into teaching, learning, and work.
