AAC&U and Elon release the 2025 Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence

A Must-Have AI Resource for Every Campus: The 2025 Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence

If you’re supporting students, teaching courses, or shaping institutional AI strategy in higher education, there’s one free, practical, and expertly crafted resource I recommend to every client: the 2025 Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence. Developed through a collaboration between Elon University and the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), this guide is quickly becoming a go-to resource for campuses navigating AI in student learning.

Available now at www.studentguidetoAI.org, the guide empowers students to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude both effectively and ethically. What sets this guide apart is that it’s not just written for students — it was created with them. Input from scholars and students across 14 countries shaped the content, ensuring the guide speaks directly to the needs, questions, and concerns today’s learners face.

The Student Guide to AI helps institutions take a proactive, informed approach. It walks students through the responsible use of AI in college contexts, helps them understand when and how to use these tools, and clarifies the boundaries of academic integrity. The guide covers everything from brainstorming and research assistance to citation practices and professional preparation.

The 2024 version was used by students, faculty, and staff at more than 1,900 colleges and universities in 139 countries. It’s endorsed by respected organizations like the American Library Association, NASPA, EDUCAUSE, the Online Learning Consortium, and AMICAL—a testament to both its quality and its relevance. I recommend it every single week in my AI Consulting and Coaching practice.

How Can Your Institution Use It?

Share freely: Download and distribute the PDF on your campus, include it in first-year experience courses, academic advising sessions, or digital literacy trainings.

Customize it: Elon University offers a free customization service—simply send your logo to imagine@elon.edu to receive a branded PDF.

Integrate the content: The guide is published under a Creative Commons license, allowing your faculty or staff to adapt its content for handbooks, syllabi, or workshops—with proper attribution.

As AI continues to reshape teaching, learning, and professional readiness, students need tools and guidance—not just policies. The Student Guide to AI is a practical first step in building digital agency, metacognitive awareness, and responsible technology use across your campus.

If your institution is serious about preparing students for the future, start here.

Download the guide, share it widely, and consider how this resource can complement your broader AI literacy initiatives.

📘 Get the guide: www.studentguidetoAI.org

Let’s move beyond fear and confusion—and help students use AI with clarity, confidence, and care.

alt text: Cover image of the "2025 Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence" by Elon University and AAC&U. A person holds a tablet with digital icons representing AI, data, and analytics overlaying the background. Logos of Elon University and AAC&U appear at the bottom.