First in Chicago: Saint Xavier University Launches Campus-Wide AI Platform for Lifelong Learning
Saint Xavier University (SXU) is taking a bold step in advancing responsible education with AI by providing students and faculty members with access to BoodleBox, a collaborative AI platform built specifically for lifelong learning. As the first institution in Chicago to implement campus-wide access, SXU represents one of the largest deployments of AI learning technology in higher education, positioning the University at the forefront of educational innovation.
"As we look to the future of higher education, Saint Xavier University remains deeply committed to fostering a compassionate, innovative, and forward-thinking academic community. By providing access to BoodleBox for faculty, staff, and students beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, we are embracing new opportunities to strengthen teaching, learning, and collaboration across our campus. This initiative reflects our enduring mission to prepare students not only for academic success, but also for career and life readiness by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and ethical foundation needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence, we are empowering our community to lead with purpose, adaptability, and integrity," said Caress Dean, Ph.D., Provost.
Higher education stands at a transformative moment as artificial intelligence reshapes the professional landscape. Through responsible integration of AI, SXU can now provide students and faculty with the tools, skills, and experiences essential for success in the classroom and beyond. This initiative will not only enhance current learning outcomes but also establish a foundation for lifelong learning.
"Bringing BoodleBox to campus is a strategic step in elevating Saint Xavier University's digital learning environment. It will enable our faculty and staff to work smarter, improve efficiencies, and innovate in the classroom while giving our students hands-on experience with AI so they graduate more fluent, adaptable, and ready for a rapidly evolving workforce," said Molly Maley-Gaik, Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer.
Faculty can seamlessly integrate AI tools to enhance curriculum development and create personalized learning pathways --from adapting course materials to creating specialized bots-- that meet diverse student needs. The University completed faculty and staff training for staff in spring and has provided numerous training materials and opportunities for learning so that faculty feel well-prepared for AI collaboration.
The core value of integrity, integral in University decision-making, is important
to the entire community, and BoodleBox was selected as a collaborative partner because
it promotes responsible AI collaboration. Students gain access to industry-leading
AI models (including GPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and more), empowering them to
develop essential AI literacy skills and responsibly evaluate AI outputs. Students
can cite and share AI-assisted work, allowing professors to evaluate both process
and product --from individual AI interactions to group projects-- while maintaining
academic integrity and fostering skill development.
"A recent survey by AAC&U says that the majority of higher education leaders feel
their institutions are unprepared to meet all of the key challenges in bringing meaningful
AI-informed education to their students. I am proud that, in alignment with our Mercy
Mission, Saint Xavier University is proving to be a leader in this critical moment
by ensuring our students have equitable and environmentally responsible access to
AI-tools through BoodleBox. We are also making strides in preparing our faculty to
guide them in learning how to ethically, responsibly, and effectively use AI in their
future personal, civic, and professional lives," said Cyndi Grobmeier, Director of
Faculty Development.
Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can use AI to enhance productivity, support decision-making and approach complex problems with creativity and discernment. As organizations adopt AI-powered tools, students who have hands-on experience with these technologies can bring immediate value to internships, entry-level roles and future leadership opportunities. Students who learn to use AI thoughtfully are better equipped to lead, collaborate and innovate in workplaces where technology continues to evolve, and SXU's campus-wide access to BoodleBox gives students meaningful opportunities to build skills that support career readiness across disciplines.
BoodleBox for Higher Education launched in July 2024 to democratize AI access and knowledge across academic institutions and workspaces. Over 70,000 professors and students from more than 1,300 colleges and universities have come to rely on BoodleBox. The platform's commitment to accessibility, security, sustainability ensures institutions can confidently integrate AI while maintaining the highest standards of data security and student privacy.