February 5, 2025 – The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), in collaboration with the University Research Office (URO) and Human Resource Management (HRM), hosted Harnessing AI for Efficiency and Innovation in University Administration, a workshop designed to introduce administrative staff to the practical applications of artificial intelligence in streamlining university operations.
The session began with two insightful talks from distinguished resource speakers. Dr. Josemaria Mariano shared his experience using ChatGPT, illustrating key differences between human and artificial intelligence. Through a live dialogue with the AI, he demonstrated how ChatGPT excels at recognizing patterns—making it a valuable tool for educational administration and decision-making. However, he also emphasized AI’s limitations, particularly in ethical reasoning and contextual interpretation, reinforcing the need for human oversight.
Mr. Sherwin O, president of CIIT College of Arts and Technology, provided a practical perspective on AI’s role in administrative work. He shared how his institution integrates ChatGPT into daily operations, significantly improving efficiency. He also showcased how a premium subscription with custom GPTs per administrative unit can further optimize processes, illustrating real-world applications that resonated with the audience.
Following the talks, Ms. Danielle Calantuan-Mejos of the University Research Office (URO) conducted a brief demonstration, highlighting a UA&P-specific use case before participants engaged in the hands-on workshop. Attendees grouped themselves by unit to explore AI’s potential in their respective roles. Given that many participants had little to no prior experience with ChatGPT, CTL provided a guided prompt to facilitate engagement:
“I am from the ____ office/unit. My role is _____. One of my major tasks is _____.”
This structured approach helped participants articulate their work challenges and explore prompt generation. Some groups quickly experimented with prompts, leading them to reflect on the processes they wanted to improve. Others took the opportunity to explore AI through their personal curiosities, which helped ease their concerns about using ChatGPT for the first time.
Participants responded positively to the workshop, noting that the discussions and activities provided practical insights into AI’s potential for administrative efficiency. Many expressed interest in further training to deepen their understanding and application of AI tools in their daily tasks. In response to this enthusiasm, CTL is planning a follow-up session to sustain the momentum gained and build on the foundational knowledge from this workshop—this time with a concrete output, ensuring that AI integration moves from exploration to practical application.
