The THECB LTAC research subcommittee reported plans to prioritize work on artificial intelligence, academic integrity and student‑facing bots, and to consider including wearable technologies and accessibility in that inquiry.

Tim, co‑chair of the research subcommittee, said the committee received an update from THECB staff on a digital course material and learning survey. He said BABE consultants will present results to THECB staff in July, with a comparison of Texas results to national benchmarks, and the research group expects to disseminate the findings to LTAC members.

Tim said the subcommittee discussed several possible topics for future research and outreach, including AI, augmented/virtual reality, accessibility, and the use of AI bots for recruitment and advising. He told the committee two agenda items were likely to come forward: “AI and academic integrity” and “AI as a student services support tool.”

Members also raised a distinct concern about “student bots”—automated agents posing as students to enroll or complete coursework—and cited recent U.S. Department of Education activity related to student identity verification. Janet and others flagged potential academic‑integrity and identity issues and suggested the committee consider both institutional bots (for student services) and bots that could pose as students.

The group discussed additional questions: whether institutionally produced bots could change ownership of faculty content (a concern raised in discussions at the Texas A&M system), whether wearables (for example, AR glasses) should be part of integrity research, and how accessibility and economic equity intersect with these new technologies.

No formal vote was taken; the research subcommittee asked members to provide feedback to Tim and Aaron, and the group agreed to craft two formal agenda items for upcoming meetings so the topics can be explored in depth.