The following story originally appeared on the website for W&M’s School of Computing, Data Sciences and Physics. – Ed.

William & Mary has officially launched a new minor in artificial intelligence (AI), giving students the tools to apply AI in their respective fields.

Offered through the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics, the AI minor emphasizes not just technical skills, but also ethical responsibility and broad, interdisciplinary applications.

“AI is no longer just for computer scientists, it’s transforming art, history, law, business – practically every discipline,” said Doug Schmidt, dean of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics. “The minor is designed to complement any major at William & Mary, giving students the fluency to apply AI in their own disciplines while bringing in perspectives on ethics, culture, and human impact that technical fields desperately need.”

The curriculum is designed to provide both hands-on experience with AI systems and the critical tools to question how those systems should be used. Lessons on privacy, equity and the broader impact of AI are woven into every course, providing students with problem-solving skills, exposure to real-world applications and insight into AI’s strengths and limitations.

Tucker Peters ’28, a finance major and president of the W&M AI Club, understands the importance of students learning how to apply AI, regardless of their major.
                                   
“The AI minor gives undergraduates the chance to pair William & Mary’s historic liberal arts education with the cutting edge of technology, preparing them to lead and innovate in their fields,” said Peters.

As the field of AI is rapidly evolving, the program was built with adaptability at its core. Faculty will continuously refresh course content to reflect the latest tools and practices, while students will develop the resilience and flexibility to navigate a landscape where innovation is constant.

Foundation for things to come

Schmidt described the minor in AI as a foundation for future academic pathways, including potential B.A. and B.S. degrees in AI as well as graduate-level programs. The aim, he said, is to create multiple avenues for students to gain fluency in AI and apply it across a wide range of careers.

“Graduates of these programs won’t just be prepared to work in AI-driven industries, they will be prepared to lead, question and innovate in ways only William & Mary graduates can,” said Schmidt.

To learn more about the new minor in AI check out https://cdsp.wm.edu/ai/ or email cdsp-ai@wm.edu.

Randy Ready, School of Computing, Data Sciences and Physics

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Last week we talked about the newest updates in A.I. technology regarding Google, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), quantum technology, and in finance.

Since then, we’ve received updates regarding Google, Microsoft, Apple, Intel, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), quantum technology, and finance.

Android pushed new AI writing tools in Bboard for tone suggestions, rewrites and grammar on Sept. 3, which rollout depends on devices with Gemini Nano v2+.

On that same date, a Pixel Feature Drop broadened rollout and added Buds/Watch updates; with coverage noting AI-assisted audio and suggestions.

ChatGPT or OpenAI announced parental controls on Sept. 2, with routing sensitive chats to specialized reasoning models, including mainstream coverage, also highlighting teen-safety updates.

Branch conversation arrived on the web on Sept. 4, allowing you to fork a chat from any message. And a research explainer was published on Sept. 5, on why LLMs hallucinate.

Microsoft 365 Personal (with Copilot) is now free for one years to all U.S. college students as of Sept. 4, then 50%, and claimable through Oct. 31.

Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning an AI-powered web search effort for Siri, targeting a launch next year.

Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Engineering outlined a new ML notification-ranking framework for Instagram on Sept. 2, to cut spammy pings, and diversity outreach.

Meta also highlighted protections for teen in AI chat experiences, alongside OpenAI.

IonQ announced a new materials breakthrough on Sept. 4; that breakthrough being quantum-grade synthetic diamond films, compatible with common substrates, aimed at scalable quantum networking hardware.

Citi rolled out two AI-powered advisory platforms in its wealth division (in-house built) on Sept. 2.

New York Fed analysis reports that businesses increased AI use over the past year on Sept. 4, but few report AI-driven layoffs so far.

According to an industry survey recap (FICO via Fortune), tech leaders say responsible AI is now the gating factor to unlock value.

Stay up to date on local news with WNDU on-air and online. Be sure to download the 16 News Now App and follow our YouTube page as we continue to bring you the latest coverage on this developing story.

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(The Center Square) – Ohio is turning to artificial intelligence to help the public report suspicious activity and potential threats of violence.

In the wake of the Wednesday assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the June killing of a Minnesota lawmaker, the state launched the new Safeguard Ohio app Friday.

It’s the country’s first criminal justice tip-reporting app to use artificial intelligence in a new way.

“Events that threaten the safety of Ohioans can be hard to predict, but they can be prevented with help from timely, detailed tips from the public,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “This new app simplifies the process to get information to law enforcement quickly and conveniently.”

The app, developed by Ohio Homeland Security and private partner Vigiliti, uses artificial intelligence to encourage users to provide as much information as possible to law enforcement.

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Users can upload video, audio and photos and remain anonymous.

Ohio’s previous online reporting system required people to fill out a form.

Information submitted to the app is reported in real time to the Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center, where analysts are expected to immediately review information and notify law enforcement authorities.

There are eight categories of tip-reporting, including drug-related activity, human trafficking, terrorism, school threats and crimes against children.

“The AI-infused prompts are essential components of this new system,” said Mark Porter, OHS executive director. “We will get the high-quality intelligence we need to act on a tip through this new system. The AI is trained to keep asking questions until the person reporting says they have no more information about the incident.”

After reporting, users will receive a unique QR code specific to that incident that allows for follow-up information. The app can also take reports in 10 languages.

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“One of the best attributes of this new system is the ability to upload video and photos,” Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, said. “More and more people these days – especially our younger generation – don’t like to talk on the phone. This new reporting method will result in more detailed information being shared with the authorities.”