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Introduction
AI adoption in the higher ed workforce is at a near-universal level, according to a new report from EDUCAUSE, The Impact of AI on Work in Higher Education, which features results from a survey of higher ed employees conducted in partnership with CUPA-HR. Nearly all (94%) of the respondents reported using AI tools in the past six months for work.
As AI moves from an emerging technology to a commonplace tool, college and university leaders need timely data to inform policy decisions, workforce training, and strategic planning. In HR, where employees are trusted with handling sensitive workforce information, AI adoption poses specific challenges. HR leaders must ensure that their AI tools protect data privacy, avoid bias, and support fair, transparent decision‑making.
CUPA-HR has analyzed the responses of 349 higher ed HR employees who responded to the EDUCAUSE survey. Our analysis offers a snapshot of AI use in higher ed HR, including how employees are using AI for work, how they view AI, their use of employer-provided AI tools, and their awareness of institutional policies guiding the use of AI. This sample comprises a mixture of non-supervisory personnel (42%) and supervisory personnel (57%), including managers, directors, and executive-level roles.
Next Steps
- Create and actively communicate AI guidelines. Given that AI is a near-universal practice, it’s concerning that most HR employees report being unaware of policies guiding its use for work.
- Develop and communicate a list of institutionally approved AI tools, and provide rationale for their selection. Offering secure, enterprise-licensed options can help curb shadow AI use.
- Prioritize privacy and safety in HR workflows. Explain what data can or cannot be entered into specific AI tools.
- Invest in responsible AI skill-building. Data suggest that HR professionals are increasingly comfortable with AI as a writing and brainstorming tool, but could use assistance in progressing with AI skills for spreadsheets, analytics, and automation — areas where usage is comparatively lower.
- Recruit AI champions in HR. Since one-third of HR employees are enthusiastic about AI, they might be recruited to support peers who are more cautious. Creating in-service tutorials led by these champions could foster greater comfort with and more proficient use of AI by other staff.
About the Authors
Julie Burrell, Ph.D., is associate director of content at CUPA-HR.
Jacqueline Bichsel, Ph.D., is associate vice president of research at CUPA-HR.
Graphics were created by Kate Roesch, data visualization developer at CUPA-HR.
Citation for This Report
Burrell, Julie, & Bichsel, Jackie. (2026, March). AI Adoption and Attitudes in Higher Ed HR. CUPA-HR. https://www.cupahr.org/resource/ai-adoption-and-attitudes-in-higher-ed-hr
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