Four Things AI Can't Replace: Reclaiming the Human Side of Faculty Work

In a world where AI is accelerating faster than ever, it's tempting to ask: what can’t be replaced?

For those of us working in higher education—faculty, designers, advisors, leaders—the question isn’t hypothetical. We’re watching AI tools reshape course development, grading, feedback, and more. But amid the whirlwind of change, there are still human responsibilities that remain essential, irreplaceable, and deeply personal.

In our latest podcast episode, we explored four irreducibly human dimensions of the faculty role that deserve to be protected—and, in fact, rebundled—into the future of higher education.

1. Mentorship and Coaching 
AI can simulate feedback, but it can’t replicate the life-changing relationship students form with professors who care. When learners feel seen, known, and supported, they persist—and thrive.

2. Ethical and Scholarly Judgment 
Automated systems can grade, but they can’t reason with nuance. Whether evaluating plagiarism or providing thoughtful critique, it takes a human mind and a sense of justice to truly guide learners toward truth.

3. Community Building and Belonging 
Culture isn’t coded—it’s cultivated. Faculty shape the tone, presence, and interpersonal energy of a course. They build trust, spark conversation, and create space where learning sticks.

4. Sense-Making and Wisdom 
AI explains; humans interpret. Faculty connect knowledge to students’ lives, professions, and futures. That power of sense-making—of helping others see—is a sacred act of teaching.

If you're a faculty member, instructional designer, or leader, we invite you to reflect: How are you protecting these human roles in your daily work? Which of these do you embody naturally—and which could use more space to shine?

AI is here to stay. But the heart of education is still human. Let’s rebundle the role with purpose and care.