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AI Insights for March 19, 2026

This message was originally shared to subscribers March 19, 2026.

AI at Work

Looking for ways to use AI to get more done at work? Join us for AI at Work: Claude Success Stories on March 25 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. in 216 Marley and on Microsoft Teams to hear faculty and staff share how they’re putting Claude to work in real, practical ways.

This Issue’s Tip: Claude and Microsoft 365

Most of us use it to write and brainstorm, but connect it to your Microsoft 365 account and it becomes a whole lot more powerful. Suddenly Claude knows your inbox, your calendar, your files, and your Teams messages — so you can ask it to summarize unread emails, draft a reply to your department chair, or prep an agenda for tomorrow’s meeting. No copy-pasting, no extra context needed.

Ready to try it? We put together a step-by-step setup guide and some sample prompts to get you started.

News and Views

In Summary

Higher education is confronting widespread AI misuse, from fake research citations to tools that can’t reliably detect cheating, forcing a shift in assessment models. At the same time, AI skills are now baseline job requirements amid uneven workforce disruption. Organizations are struggling to move AI into real operations, accelerating demand for new leadership roles, while growing reliance on AI is beginning to reshape human reasoning.

Education, Teaching and Learning

  • New Tools for Understanding AI and Learning Outcomes (OpenAI)
  • AI and Course Design: Machines Can Help, but Only Humans Can Teach (Educause Review)
  • AI Tools to Reduce College Dropout Rates (EdTech)
  • Blackboard Executives Say Catching AI Cheating Is a Lost Cause. This One Isn’t Worried. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
  • Writing Faculty Push for the Right to Refuse AI (Inside Higher Ed)
  • Journal Submissions Riddled With AI-Created Fake Citations (Inside Higher Ed)

Business, Strategy and Leadership

  • Every Company Wants AI, but Few Have The Leader Who Can Make It Real (Forbes)
  • C-suite shakeup: Demand for chief AI officers accelerates (TechTarget)
  • Tech Firms Are Persuading Retailers to Put AI Everywhere (The New York Times)

Culture, Trends and Novel Use Cases

  • March Madness 2026: AI and Prediction Markets Replace the Office Pool (PYMNTS)

Policy, Defense and Global Impact

    Society and Human Impact

    • AI Becomes a Daily Habit: The Consumer Shift From Trying Tools to Living With Them (PYMNTS)
    • Thinking—Fast, Slow, and Artificial: How AI is Reshaping Human Reasoning and the Rise of Cognitive Surrender (SSRN)
    • Is AI Making Us Stupid? Cal Newport Is Worried. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
    • How I Killed—and Revived—Teamwork With AI (The Wall Street Journal)

      Tech Industry and Competition

      • Anthropic’s Standoff With the Pentagon Shakes Up AI Talent Race (The Wall Street Journal)
      • Amazon Holds Engineering Meeting Following AI-Related Outages (CNBC)

      Tools, Products and Innovation

      • Anthropic Automates Excel and PowerPoint Workflows With One-Click Skills (PYMNTS)
      • Inside OpenAI’s Race to Catch Up to Claude Code (Wired)
      • Introducing The Anthropic Institute (Anthropic)

      Workforce, Jobs and Skills

      • AI Engineering Tops List of In-Demand Skills: LinkedIn (CIO Dive)
      • Leaders Say AI Skills Now Are as Fundamental as the Ability To Write (HR Dive)
      • Jobs Least and Most Vulnerable to AI (The Washington Post)
      • Labor Market Impacts of AI: A New Measure and Early Evidence (Anthropic)
      • More CEOs Envision Hiring Than Firing Due to AI, CEO Survey Finds (Axios)
      • I Worked for Block. Its AI Job Cuts Aren’t What They Seem. (The New York Times)

      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: Thinking Partner

      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:

      “You are my thinking partner, not just an answer generator.

      I’m working on: [describe a project, class, or problem].

      Instead of giving me a quick answer, do the following:

      Ask me 2–3 clarifying questions to better understand my goal.
      Point out any assumptions I might be making.
      Suggest 2 different ways to approach this (including one I might not have considered).
      Then help me build a clear, step-by-step plan.
      Prioritize depth, critical thinking, and insight over speed.“

      Helpful Resources

      Thank you for reading. Go Orange!

      AI Insights for March 5, 2026

      This message was originally shared to subscribers March 5, 2026.

      AI at Work

      Have you found a useful way to use generative AI in your work at Syracuse University? We’re inviting faculty and staff to share real-world examples during AI at Work: Claude Success Stories on March 25 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. in 216 Marley and on Microsoft Teams. If you’d like to highlight how you use Claude in your role, email itscomm@syr.edu to share.

      This Issue’s Tip: Claude Skills

      Learn how to customize Claude using Skills, which allow you to create reusable instructions for specific tasks. This short video shows where to find Skills in the Claude interface, how to enable the Skill Creator, and how to build, upload and manage your own Skills. It also includes a quick demo of using a newly created skill to draft content in Claude.

      News and Views

      In Summary

      Companies are replacing roles with AI tools, while cybercriminals are using AI to accelerate attacks. New efforts aim to verify what’s real online as deepfakes spread. At the same time, researchers are studying how people collaborate with AI, how it affects workplace relationships and how emerging “agentic” AI could transform higher education and the future of work.

      Education, Teaching and Learning

      Business and the Economy

      Platforms and Company Updates

      • Perplexity Pulling Sponsored Answers From AI Platform (PYMNTS)
      • Claude Code Security by Anthropic aims to detect and patch complex vulnerabilities (Digital Watch)
      • Anthropic’s COBOL Bet Shakes Mainframe Economics (PYMNTS)
      • Anthropic Education Report: The AI Fluency Index (Anthropic)
      • Anthropic Pushes Claude Deeper Into Knowledge Work (The Wall Street Journal)
      • Opus 3 has a blog (Claude’s Corner)
      • Switch to Claude without starting over (Claude)

      Policy, Copyright and Regulation

      • US Supreme Court declines to hear dispute over copyrights for AI-generated material (Reuters)

        Security, Cybersecurity and Authenticity

          Society

          • AI: The Best Supporting Actor You’ll Never See (PYMNTS)
          • How AI Damages Work Relationships—and Where It Can Actually Help (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 Collaboration Coach

          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:

          “You are an AI collaboration coach.

          I am working on this task: [DESCRIBE A TASK YOU’RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON].

          Help me use AI effectively by:
          1. Breaking the task into smaller steps.
          2. Identifying which steps AI could help with.
          3. Suggesting prompts I could use at each step.
          4. Pointing out where human judgment or expertise is still important.

          Present the steps clearly so I can follow them and work alongside AI, not rely on it completely.“

          Helpful Resources

          Thank you for reading. Go Orange!

          Orange Online: March 2026 Student Newsletters

          This message was originally shared to all students via email on March 5, 2026.

          Orange Online at a Glance

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

          Information Security Awareness

          Phishing is often the security threat people know best, but it’s not the only risk facing our campus community. Our latest Information Security Awareness articles highlight other important topics you should understand:

          • Doxxing: Learn what it is, why the public exposure of private information is a serious threat, and simple steps you can take to protect yourself online.
          • FERPA and Student Privacy: Even a casual conversation about a student’s grades can violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Understand your responsibilities and how to safeguard student information.
          • Device Theft and Loss: A lost or stolen device doesn’t have to become a data breach. Discover how encryption protects sensitive university data and what steps you should take now.
          • Notes from the CISO’s Desk: Not all AI tools offer the same protections. Learn why using Syracuse’s approved AI services is essential for protecting university and student data.

          Review these articles to better understand your responsibilities and reduce potential risks.

            Study Breaks

            Need a quick break from studying? Stop by and see ITS at our upcoming Study Breaks. We’ll be at the Digital Scholarship Space in Bird Library on March 26 with cupcakes. Grab a treat, say hello, and learn more about ITS services, events and newsletters. Learn More.

            Music Mondays

            Student musicians! Join us March 16 or 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. All genres welcome. Space is limited to 30 per session—sign up today! Register.

            Take Our AI Event Survey

            Help us plan our next AI event! We’re designing a student-focused session on generative AI and want your input on format, topics and activities. Take our quick 2-minute survey and help shape the event. Your feedback will directly influence what we create! Take Survey.

            Upcoming Campus Events

            Join us for upcoming sessions: Tech Topics: Digital Accessibility 101 (March 19, 1 to 2 p.m., Teams), AI at Work: Claude Success Stories (March 25, 2 to 3:15 p.m., 216 Marley and Teams), and AI at Work (April 15, 2–3:15 p.m., 216 Marley and Teams).  Register.

            Spring Break Travel Tip

            If you will travel for spring break, it’s a good idea to configure your multifactor authentication (MFA) methods to ensure you retain access to your University accounts wherever you go. ITS recommends you download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on the mobile device you will take with you. MFA.

            Digital Accessibility Tip

            To ensure an accessible conversion from a Microsoft file (e.g., Word or PowerPoint) to PDF, go to File, then Save As (or Export) and select PDF from the dropdown menu options. Avoid all other PDF conversion methods when saving. For detailed guidance, visit our Saving as an Accessible PDF page. 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: March Faculty/Staff Newsletters

            This message was originally shared to all faculty and staff via email on March 5, 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:

            Information Security Awareness

            Phishing is often the security threat people know best, but it’s not the only risk facing our campus community. Our latest Information Security Awareness articles highlight other important topics you should understand:

            • Doxxing: Learn what it is, why the public exposure of private information is a serious threat and simple steps you can take to protect yourself online.
            • FERPA and Student Privacy: Even a casual conversation about a student’s grades can violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Understand your responsibilities and how to safeguard student information.
            • Device Theft and Loss: A lost or stolen device doesn’t have to become a data breach. Discover how encryption protects sensitive university data and what steps you should take now.
            • Notes from the CISO’s Desk: Not all AI tools offer the same protections. Learn why using Syracuse’s approved AI services is essential for protecting university and student data.

            Review these articles to better understand your responsibilities and reduce potential risks.

              Claude Success Stories

              We’re looking for faculty and staff to share how they’re using Claude in their day-to-day work at Syracuse University. Join AI at Work: Claude Success Stories on March 25 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. (216 Marley and Teams). Interested? Email itscomm@syr.edu — your example could inspire others on campus. Participate.

                Upcoming Events

                Join us for two upcoming events! Tech Topics: Digital Accessibility 101 on March 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. (Microsoft Teams) offers a practical introduction to creating accessible digital content. Then, attend AI at Work on April 15 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. (216 Marley and Teams) to explore how AI can support your work. Register.

                Adobe Tools for Faculty and Staff

                As an Adobe Creative Campus, Syracuse University offers faculty and staff access to Adobe Express, Adobe Sign and Adobe Acrobat, which offer the following features:

                • Adobe Express: Web and mobile design tool for creating social media graphics, videos, webpages and marketing materials using templates and simple editing tools.
                • Adobe Sign: Electronic signature solution for sending, signing, tracking and managing document agreements digitally. If you have not already done so, you can request Sign through the Microsoft Access Package portal.
                • Adobe Acrobat: PDF software for creating, editing, converting and managing PDF documents, including form creation and annotation tools.

                Faculty and staff who currently use the Adobe Creative Cloud should re-install it on their device through the Microsoft Access Package portal to ensure continued access. Starting March 9, 2026, the Adobe Creative Cloud will only be available by requesting it through the Microsoft Access Package portal.

                Spring Break Travel Tip

                If you will travel for spring break, it’s a good idea to configure your multifactor authentication (MFA) methods to ensure you retain access to your University accounts wherever you go. ITS recommends you download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on the mobile device you will take with you. MFA.

                Digital Accessibility Tip

                To ensure an accessible conversion from a Microsoft file (e.g., Word or PowerPoint) to PDF, go to File, then Save As (or Export) and select PDF from the dropdown menu options. Avoid all other PDF conversion methods when saving. For detailed guidance, visit our Saving as an Accessible PDF page. Office Hours.

                Claude Resources

                We have a growing collection of resources to help you get more out of Claude—and now’s a great time to explore them. Visit Anthropic’s Claude for Work learning hub for practical guides and use cases, review The Complete Guide to Building Skills for Claude[pdf] to create reusable instruction sets, brush up on the difference between Projects and Skills and watch the recording of our AI at Work: Claude Skills session to see how Syracuse University teams are putting these tools into practice.

                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!

                Using Claude’s Microsoft 365 Connector

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

                By now you’ve likely used Claude to write and brainstorm, but it’s capable of a lot more when connected to the tools you use every day. By connecting Claude to your Microsoft 365 account, you can bring your actual work — your emails, calendar, files and more — directly into the conversation. Here’s why that matters and how to get started. 

                Why Connect Claude to Microsoft 365? 

                Without a connector, Claude works in isolation. It can help you think, write and plan, but it doesn’t know anything about your work. Connecting Claude to Microsoft 365 changes that. Depending on the permissions you set, you can give Claude real-time access to your Outlook calendar and email, OneDrive/SharePoint documents and Teams messages — so instead of describing your situation, you can ask Claude to check. 

                How to Set It Up 

                1. Open Claude.ai and login with your Syracuse University NetID credentials
                2. Click on your profile/account avatar on the bottom left of the sidebar 
                3. Navigate to Settings 
                4. Select Connectors 
                5. Find Microsoft 365 in the list and click Connect 
                6. Sign in with your Syracuse University NetID credentials when prompted 
                7. Approve the requested permissions — Claude will only access what you authorize 

                            That’s it. Once connected, Claude can pull in relevant context from your M365 environment when you ask. 

                            What Can It Actually Do? 

                            Here are a few sample prompts you can try: 

                            • “Summarize my unread emails from this week and flag anything urgent.” — Claude scans your Outlook inbox and gives you a prioritized digest. 
                            • “What meetings do I have tomorrow, and can you draft a prep agenda for my 2 p.m.?” — Claude checks your calendar and builds a ready-to-use agenda. 
                            • “Find the budget proposal I shared on Teams last month and help me update the executive summary.” — Claude locates the document and helps you refine it in context. 
                            • “Draft a response to the message from my department chair about the spring schedule.” — Claude locates the message and writes a professional reply in your voice. 
                            • “Review my work from the past week and create a summary I can bring to my team meeting.” — Claude pulls from your emails, calendar, and shared documents to build a cohesive recap of your activity, decisions made, and next steps — ready to present as needed. 

                            Tips for Getting the Most Out of It 

                            Be specific about what you want Claude to look at. The more context you give, the better the output. “My email” is vague; “emails from the budget committee in the past two weeks” is actionable. 

                            Treat it like a smart research assistant, not a search engine. Claude can read, synthesize and respond, not just find. Ask it to do something with what it finds. 

                            Start with low-stakes tasks. Try it first to summarize, draft or prepare for a meeting. Once you get a feel for how it works, you’ll find your own high-value use cases. 

                            Always review what Claude produces. AI tools are powerful, but you bring the fact checking. Read and edit before you send.