Dartmouth College announced Thursday that Provost Santiago Schnell has stepped down following the findings of an independent, faculty‑led review of his use of artificial intelligence in scholarly and public writing. The committee concluded that Schnell’s disclosures about AI assistance fell short of Dartmouth’s Code of Ethical Conduct, the Academic Honor Principle, and the Geisel School of Medicine’s professionalism standards.
Committee findings
The review panel was tasked with determining whether Schnell complied with the college’s AI guidelines for publications and public commentary, how he employed AI tools, and whether he was transparent about that use. After a thorough investigation, the committee reported that Schnell used AI to meaningfully alter his writing in violation of at least one publication’s AI‑use and disclosure requirement, failed to disclose AI assistance in breach of a national newspaper’s policy, and was not forthcoming about his methods.
One specific incident cited by the committee involved an opinion piece Schnell authored for The Washington Post titled “Universities are fighting AI cheating. But there’s a deeper problem.” In communications with a journalist, Schnell admitted to using ChatGPT to refine arguments and correct grammar for that article, directly contravening the newspaper’s policy that writers certify their work was not created or manipulated with artificial intelligence.
Student reaction
Students on campus expressed disappointment and a sense of betrayal, noting that a senior academic leader should model the highest standards of integrity. “I think the fact that he’s in such a position of power is kind of like a betrayal of the standards we’re held to,” said sophomore Aaliyah Robinson. Another student, Nathan Hill, added, “When it comes to opinion pieces and putting out work as someone with authority, especially at a university, it’s really disappointing to see that lack of care.”
Other students, however, praised the college’s swift response and the role of student journalists in bringing the issue to light. “The whole thing with the provost occurring in the first place is disappointing,” said Jasper Park, “but I think it’s encouraging to see that students are making efforts to hold them accountable and strive to improve here.”
Administration response
Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock issued a statement emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct among senior leaders. “I expect our senior leaders to hold themselves to the highest standards,” Beilock wrote to the college community. “Out of respect for his colleagues and the institution, Santiago has resigned as provost and is leaving the university. This was his decision. We remain grateful for his leadership and wish him well.”
Beilock also announced that the provost’s duties will be temporarily assumed by Matthew Delmont, the Sherman Fairchild Distinguished Professor of History and Frank J. Guarini Associate Dean of Faculty for International and Interdisciplinary Studies. Delmont will serve in the role through June 2028 while the college conducts a search for a permanent replacement.
Legal outreach
News 9 reached out to Schnell for comment; he referred all inquiries to his legal counsel. No further remarks were provided.
The episode underscores the growing scrutiny of AI usage in academic and journalistic contexts, as institutions grapple with evolving policies designed to preserve transparency and trust.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
