On July 16, the Coop Store at Pomona College sparked controversy with two promotional Instagram posts created using generative artificial intelligence (AI). Although the posts disappeared within roughly a day, their brief appearance ignited discussion about AI use on college campuses beyond the classroom.
Since July, TSL has contacted student and faculty managers and employees responsible for dining and retail operations across the consortium to gauge whether and how AI already fits into campus businesses. Responses were mixed. Some took a definitive stance against AI; other managers said that while they haven’t formally embraced it, they wouldn’t rule out future use.