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The State University of New York (SUNY) has introduced new general education requirements for undergraduates enrolling in the fall of 2026. Students will now be required to take courses in civic discourse and artificial intelligence (AI) as part of their 30-credit general education curriculum. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced these changes, emphasizing the importance of preparing students with skills for respectful and reasoned discourse and the ability to recognize and ethically use AI as a source of information.
The new requirements aim to equip students with the skills necessary to engage in civic life and evaluate information from various sources. According to SUNY's press release, the curriculum changes reflect the rise of emerging technologies and the need for students to navigate and assess the impact of AI in society. The courses will be integrated into the existing 30-credit framework, ensuring students do not need to take additional classes.
SUNY's Board of Trustees approved the changes in December 2024, following recommendations from a working group formed by the SUNY Provost's Office. The updates are part of SUNY's broader Civics and Service Agenda, which includes the Empire State Service Corps program. Launched by Governor Kathy Hochul, the program offers paid civic and service opportunities for students, with plans to expand its capacity from 500 to 1,000 students.
The changes have been praised by SUNY officials and educators, who believe they will help prepare students for professional journeys and everyday life. SUNY Board Trustee Stanley Litow stated, "The changes made to the General Education Framework are critically important and will bring our curriculum up to date in both AI and civic discourse". The new requirements will be mandatory for all incoming students seeking associate and bachelor's degrees starting in fall 2026, though individual campuses may choose to adopt them earlier.