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AI Insights for April 16, 2026

This message was originally shared to subscribers April 16, 2026.

Upcoming Events

Did you miss yesterday’s AI at Work: Claude Code session? You can catch up anytime—recordings from this semester are available to watch on demand.

Also, students are invited to join us for our upcoming Orange AI: Chat Session with Newhouse Professor Adam Peruta. We’ll meet on April 23 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Graham Scholarly Commons (114 Bird Library) to explore AI and put students’ prompting skills to the test.

We want to hear from you. Take a quick survey to share how you’re using AI at work and what topics matter most to you—your input directly shapes our programming.

This Issue’s Tip: 5 Claude Features You Didn’t Know You Needed

Claude can do much more than draft emails or answer questions—and you might be missing out on some of its most useful capabilities. From remembering your preferences to analyzing uploaded documents, browsing the web for up-to-date info and even generating code, these lesser-known features can save time and streamline your work. Whether you’re managing projects, writing for different audiences or tackling repetitive tasks, there’s likely a feature here that can make an immediate impact. Explore how you could start using these five features today.

News and Views

In Summary

AI is accelerating across sectors, with massive investment, new models and rising scrutiny. OpenAI raised a record $122B as Meta unveiled a competitive model, while regulators probe safety risks. Higher ed is adapting—teaching AI ethics and integrating tools into curricula—as students rethink careers amid job disruption. Experts warn AI will reshape society and demand urgent institutional response.

Education, Teaching and Learning

Big Tech, Industry Moves and Competition

Policy, Regulation and Governance

  • ‘Subpoenas are Forthcoming’: Florida AG Opens Probe Into OpenAI, ChatGPT (Politico)
  • Anthropic Opposes the Extreme AI Liability Bill That OpenAI Backed (Wired)
  • Industrial Policy for the Intelligence Age: Ideas to Keep People First (OpenAI)
  • Decision-Making by Consensus Doesn’t Work in the AI Era (Harvard Business Review)

Research, Frontiers and Advanced Applications

  • AI Takes on Mission Control as Artemis II Heads for the Moon (PYMNTS)
  • Fed Chair Jerome Powell Discussed Anthropic’s Mythos AI Cyber Threat with Major U.S. Banks (CBS News)

    Security, Risks and Ethics

    • OpenAI: Introducing the Child Safety Blueprint (OpenAI)
    • Project Glasswing: Securing Critical Software for the AI Era (Anthropic)
    • Building a Human Resilience Infrastructure for the AI Age (Elon University)

      Society, Culture and Public Perception

        Workforce, Jobs and Economy

        • Which Jobs Are Most at Risk in the Age of AI? (Inside Higher Ed)
        • Findings on AI Automation from Thousands of Worker Evaluations of Labor Market Tasks (MIT FutureTech)
        • AI Adoption by the Numbers (Andreessen Horowitz)
        • Why Some Companies Say AI ‘Tokenmaxxing’ Is Key to Survival (The Wall Street Journal)
        • The Enterprise AI Readiness Gap: What Company Data Reveals About the Real Barrier to Scale (PYMNTS)

        Access to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and other paywalled content is available to all students, faculty and staff with a valid Syracuse University NetID. Learn more.

        This Issue’s Win: 10 Smarter Ways to Use AI

        A prompt is how you ask generative AI tools to do something for you (e.g., creating, summarizing, editing or transforming). Treat it like a conversation, using clear language and enough context to get the result you have in mind.

        To get more practice, use the generative AI tool of your choice (for example, Microsoft Copilot, OpenAI ChatGPT or Anthropic Claude) to execute the following prompt:

        “I want to use generative AI more effectively in my work. I am a [your role] in [your field/department]. I regularly work on tasks like [list 2–3 common tasks].

        Suggest 10 practical, specific ways I could use AI to save time, improve quality, or try something new. Include a mix of quick wins and more advanced uses. For each idea, give a short example of a prompt I could use to get started.“

        Helpful Resources

        Thank you for reading. Go Orange!

        AI Insights for April 2, 2026

        This message was originally shared to subscribers April 2, 2026.

        AI at Work

        Ever wondered how developers are actually using AI to write, debug, and ship code faster? Our next AI at Work session is all about Claude Code, an agentic coding tool that brings AI directly into your development workflow. Join us on April 15 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. in 216 Marley or on Microsoft Teams.

        Missed our last session? The recording from AI at Work: Claude Success Stories is now available—faculty and staff share how they are using Claude to draft communications, streamline tasks and more.

        We want to hear from you. Take a quick survey to share how you’re using AI at work and what topics matter most to you—your input directly shapes our programming.

        This Issue’s Tip: Ask Clementine

        Clementine is Syracuse University’s new AI assistant that lets students and advisors search for courses using conversational language—no more digging through dropdown menus or complex catalogs.

        Just ask things like “I’m a third-year Public Relations major. What PR classes end by 4 p.m.?” and get results fast.

        To try it out, visit clementine.syr.edu, log in with your Syracuse University credentials and select the “Class Search” assistant. The more context you give, the better the results.

        News and Views

        In Summary

        Colleges are rapidly rethinking how they assess learning, with oral exams and new “AI-allowed vs. AI-restricted” models emerging. At the same time, federal policy is taking shape, and industry leaders warn of a massive workforce shift needed to support AI infrastructure. Meanwhile, new research highlights a growing tension: while AI creates opportunity, it may also be changing how students think, learn and engage with knowledge.

        Education, Teaching and Learning

        Environmental and Broader Impact

        • AI’s Arrival Complicates Big Tech Climate Goals, and Some Worry It’s Locking in More Fossil Fuels (AP News)

        Industry, Companies and Product News

        • The Sudden Fall of OpenAI’s Most Hyped Product Since ChatGPT (The Wall Street Journal)
        • Microsoft’s Research Assistant Can Now Use Multiple AI Models Simultaneously (Engadget)

        Policy, Government and Regulation

        • National Policy Framework – Artificial Intelligence (The White House)
        • The White House Just Laid Out How It Wants to Regulate AI (CNN)
        • U.S. Department of Labor – Make America AI-Ready (U.S. Department of Labor)
        • David Sacks Transitions From AI/Crypto Czar to Technology Advisory Committee Co-Chair (PYMNTS)

          Research, Behavior and Society

          • Sycophantic AI Decreases Prosocial Intentions and Promotes Dependence (Science)
          • Wikipedia Bans AI From Writing Its Articles (Wikipedia)
          • Anthropic Economic Index Report: Learning Curves (Anthropic)
          • AI and Bots Have Officially Taken Over the Internet, Report Finds (CNBC)
          • There’s a Good Reason You Can’t Concentrate (The New York Times)

            Security, Risks and Ethics

            • Why MCP Security Can’t Be Patched Away (DarkReading)
            • Behind the Curtain: AI’s Looming Cyber Nightmare (Axios)
            • US Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Music Streamers Out of Millions Using AI (The Guardian)

              Workforce, Jobs and Economy

              • AI Success Stems from Better Collaboration, Not Prompts (CIO Dive)
              • Nvidia’s Huang Pitches AI Tokens on Top of Salary as Agents Reshape How Humans Work (CNBC)
              • AI Boom Drives Micron Margins to Record High Amid Chip Supply Constraints (Manufacturing Dive)
              • Exclusive: U.S. Needs “Whole New Workforce” for AI, Meta President Says (Axios)
              • To Scale AI Agents Successfully, Think of Them Like Team Members (Harvard Business Review)

              Access to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and other paywalled content is available to all students, faculty and staff with a valid Syracuse University NetID. Learn more.

              This Issue’s Win: AI Tutor

              A prompt is how you ask generative AI tools to do something for you (e.g., creating, summarizing, editing or transforming). Treat it like a conversation, using clear language and enough context to get the result you have in mind.

              To get more practice, use the generative AI tool of your choice (for example, Microsoft Copilot, OpenAI ChatGPT or Anthropic Claude) to execute the following prompt:

              “I want you to act as a tutor, not an answer generator.

              Ask me 3–5 questions to assess my understanding of this topic: [insert topic]. Do not give me answers right away. Instead, guide me step-by-step, asking follow-up questions that help me think more deeply. If I get something wrong, don’t correct me immediately—give me hints so I can work toward the answer myself.

              At the end, summarize what I understand well and where I need improvement.“

              Helpful Resources

              Thank you for reading. Go Orange!

              Orange Online: April 2026 Student Newsletters

              This message was originally shared to all students via email on April 2, 2026.

              Orange Online at a Glance

              Pressed for time? Information Technology Services (ITS) has you covered. Here are this edition’s topics:

              AI at Syracuse University

              There’s a lot happening in the AI space at Syracuse University, and we want to make sure you’re in the loop.

              • Try Clementine, our new AI class search tool. Finding the right courses just got a whole lot easier. Clementine lets you search using natural language—just ask something like “Are there any Psychology classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays?” and get results fast. As always, confirm your final selections in MySlice or with your academic advisor.
              • Tell us what you think. ITS is gathering feedback to improve our AI resources and the AI at Work event series, and we want to hear from you. The survey takes just a few minutes and covers how you’re currently using AI, what topics you’d like to see in future sessions, and how you prefer to learn.
              • Orange AI: Chat Session with Newhouse Professor Adam Peruta. Want to learn more about AI and maybe put your prompting skills to the test? Join ITS and Newhouse professor Adam Peruta on April 23 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Graham Scholarly Commons in 114 Bird Library.

              Study Breaks

              Need a quick break from studying? Stop by and see ITS at our upcoming Study Breaks. We’ll be in the Schine Student Center on April 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. Grab a treat, say hello, and learn more about ITS services, events and newsletters. Study Breaks.

              Music Mondays

              Student musicians! Join us April 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the MakerSpace in Marshall Square Mall. Meet fellow SU musicians, find collaborators and tour our music and tracking rooms. Space is limited to 30 per session—sign up today! Register.

              Research Computing Series

              The Spring 2026 Research Computing Series features two virtual sessions on Microsoft Teams. Chemistry postdoctoral researcher Jessica Niblo will present on Wednesday, April 22, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Physics graduate student Keisi Kacanja wraps up the series on Wednesday, April 29, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Register.

              Tech To-Dos Before Graduation

              Congratulations, soon-to-be-graduates! On Answers, find a full list of IT resources including email and post-graduation access timelines. Before you go, remember to migrate your Google Drive data and transfer ownership of any Qualtrics surveys by emailing qualtrics@ot.syr.edu from your @syr.edu address.  Answers.

              Information Security Tip: InfoBlox BloxOne

              Every month, ITS automatically blocks 2.9 million malicious connections on the Syracuse University network—stopping phishing attempts and malware before they reach your device. Powered by Infoblox BloxOne, this protection runs quietly in the background, 24/7. Read Article.

              Digital Accessibility Tip: Title Your Slides

              Many assistive technology users rely on slide titles to navigate PowerPoint presentations. Use the built-in Title placeholder (not a text box) to ensure each slide has a unique, descriptive title. You can use PowerPoint’s Accessibility Checker to flag missing or duplicated titles. Office Hours.

              AI Insights

              Explore the latest in artificial intelligence with AI Insights, the newsletter for all things AI. Whether you’re looking to enhance your work with smart tools or simply stay informed, each issue brings you news from higher ed and the tech world and weekly AI tips. Newsletter. 

              Tech Tips Weekly

              Stay connected and ahead with Tech Tips Weekly—for quick, practical advice to make the most of campus technology. Each week, our new newsletter delivers easy-to-follow how-tos, timely service updates and insider looks at the newest features, tools and resources. Subscribe. 

              Helpful Resources

              ITS and the campuswide information technology community are available year-round to help with your tech questions. Resources include:

              Thank you for reading. Go Orange!

              Tech Tips: April 2026 Faculty/Staff Newsletters

              This message was originally shared to all faculty and staff via email on April 2, 2026.

              At a Glance

              Each month, Information Technology Services provides tech tips for the Orange community. Pressed for time? Here are this edition’s topics:

              AI at Work

              There’s a lot happening in the AI space at Syracuse University, and we want to make sure you’re in the loop.

              • AI at Work: Claude Code. Join us April 15, 2 to 3:15 p.m. in 216 Marley or on Microsoft Teams.
              • AI at Work: Claude Success Stories recording is now available. Faculty and staff share how they are using Claude to draft communications, streamline tasks and more.
              • AI at Work Survey. Help us shape future programming—the survey takes just a few minutes and covers how you’re using AI and what topics we should discuss in future sessions.
              • Clementine, our new AI class search tool, lets students find courses using natural language. Just ask something like “Are there any Psychology classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays?” and get results fast.

                Research Computing

                The Spring 2026 Research Computing Series features two virtual sessions on Microsoft Teams. Chemistry postdoctoral researcher Jessica Niblo will present on Wednesday, April 22, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Physics graduate student Keisi Kacanja wraps up the series on Wednesday, April 29, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Register.

                  SITETL

                  Applications are open for the Summer Institute for Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning—a week-long faculty workshop from the ITS Online Learning Services team running June 1-5. Gain hands-on experience with campus teaching tools and leave with a plan for your courses. Seats are limited! Apply.

                  Information Security Tip: InfoBlox BloxOne

                  Every month, ITS automatically blocks 2.9 million malicious connections on the Syracuse University network—stopping phishing attempts and malware before they reach your device. Powered by Infoblox BloxOne, this protection runs quietly in the background, 24/7. Read Article.

                  Digital Accessibility Tip: Title Your Slides

                  Many assistive technology users rely on slide titles to navigate PowerPoint presentations. Use the built-in Title placeholder (not a text box) to ensure each slide has a unique, descriptive title. You can use PowerPoint’s Accessibility Checker to flag missing or duplicated titles. Office Hours.

                  Tech To-Dos Before Leaving the University

                  If you are retiring, graduating or transitioning elsewhere, it’s important to know how long you’ll retain access to University tools like Microsoft 365 (email, OneDrive, Teams), Google Workspace and more. Visit Answers for timelines and make reviewing digital assets part of your exit process.

                  AI Insights

                  Explore the latest in artificial intelligence with AI Insights, the newsletter for all things AI. Whether you’re looking to enhance your work with smart tools or simply stay informed, each issue brings you news from higher ed and the tech world and weekly AI tips. Newsletter. 

                  Tech Tips Weekly

                  Stay connected and ahead with Tech Tips Weekly—for quick, practical advice to make the most of campus technology. Each week, our new newsletter delivers easy-to-follow how-tos, timely service updates and insider looks at the newest features, tools and resources. Subscribe. 

                  Helpful Resources

                  ITS and the campuswide information technology community are available year-round to help with your tech questions. Resources include:

                  • Academic and administrative IT staff

                  • Classroom Resource Guide

                  • ITS Service Center

                  • Self-Serv NetID and password management portal

                  Thank you for reading. Go Orange!

                  5 Claude Features You Didn’t Know You Needed 

                  By Shannon Glennon, AI Technology Transformation Specialist, Syracuse University ITS 

                  Claude can do a lot more than answer questions and write first drafts. If you haven’t explored beyond the basics yet, you’re leaving some of the most useful functionality on the table. Here are five features worth trying. 

                  Claude Can Remember Things 

                  Claude has a memory feature that learns your preferences, role and context over time—so every conversation isn’t starting from scratch. Once it knows you’re a faculty member who writes in AP Style or a staff member who manages event logistics, it factors that in automatically. 

                  Try it: Open a new chat and tell Claude your role, your typical audience, and one formatting preference. Then ask it to “add to memory” for future conversations. 

                  You Can Upload Files and Actually Do Something With Them 

                  Claude can read your documents—syllabi, reports, meeting notes, data files—and then do real work with them. Summarize, extract key points, reformat or generate a follow-up action list. It goes well beyond just “uploading a PDF”. 

                  Try it: Upload a meeting agenda or report and ask: “Summarize the key decisions and draft a list of action items with owner names.” 

                  Claude Can Browse the Web 

                  A common assumption is that AI tools are frozen in time. Claude’s web search feature changes that. It can look up current information, pull from live pages and help you research topics that need up-to-date data—not just what was true two years ago. 

                  Try it: Ask Claude to search for recent articles on a topic relevant to your work and summarize what’s new in the past six months. 

                  You Can Give Claude a Role 

                  Assigning Claude a persona dramatically improves what it produces. When you tell Claude to act as an instructional designer, a skeptical editor or an HR professional, it shifts its entire approach to match that lens. 

                  Try it: Start your next prompt with “You are a plain-language editor reviewing this for a non-technical audience”—then paste in something you’ve written. 

                  Claude Can Write Code—Even If You Can’t 

                  You don’t have to be a developer to benefit from this one. Claude can generate Excel formulas, build simple data trackers, clean up messy spreadsheet data or automate small repetitive tasks—all from a plain-English description of what you need. 

                  Try it: Describe a repetitive task you do in Excel and ask Claude to write a formula or script to handle it. 

                  You don’t have to use all five at once—start with the one that sounds most useful and go from there. The features that make the biggest difference are often the ones hiding in plain sight, and chances are it won’t be the last new thing you discover!