Brigham Young University–Idaho opened a new Academic AI Center this semester, giving students a dedicated space to learn how to use artificial intelligence effectively in their coursework, according to the university’s website.

The center is designed to help students strengthen their AI skills while upholding BYU-Idaho’s academic standards. The website states that students can receive assignment support, build better study habits and learn how to use AI tools responsibly through personalized guidance.

Nathan Gonzales, a tutor at the new center, said AI is only going to become more prevalent in students’ lives in the coming years.

“Like any technological advancement, I believe it is a gift from God intended to help us become more effective in our work and learning,” Gonzales said.

He added that students have three options regarding AI: “We can ignore it, we can rely on it to do everything for us and never learn, or we can learn to use it as a tool that enhances our ability to learn more deeply. The Academic AI Center was created to help us pursue the latter.”

According to the university, students who meet with the center can gain confidence using AI tools, improve their writing and critical thinking skills, and learn how to maintain academic integrity while working with generative technology.

Gonzales said his experience as a TA in ESS 111 has informed his work at the center.

“Over the last few semesters, I have been working with Brother DH as his ESS 111 TA to explore how we can help students use AI more effectively. He has introduced me to many of the AI platforms he uses, and they have benefited my own studies as well," Gonzales said. "When I heard about the Academic AI Center and the opportunity to help even more students learn to use AI both effectively and ethically, I knew I wanted to be involved.”

The Academic AI Center emphasizes using artificial intelligence as a learning aid rather than a shortcut. Available services include tutoring with AI-assisted explanations, help creating flashcards and quizzes, and instruction on how to prompt AI tools in ways that improve understanding.

Gonzales said the center helps students understand AI as a tool to support deeper learning.

“As we learn to use AI as a tool that supports deeper, more meaningful learning—and not as a shortcut to avoid homework or thinking—we will come to better understand why God has entrusted us with this technology at this time and we will learn how we can use this gift not only as students, but as we enter the workforce and for the rest of our lives,” he said.

Tutors are students rather than subject experts, so they may not be familiar with specific course material. The website notes that tutors may record online sessions and asks students not to set unrealistic expectations, such as requesting late-night help or last-minute test preparation.

Students are asked to cancel appointments at least 12 hours in advance, and a $10 fee may be charged for no-shows or for arriving more than 15 minutes late.

Students can schedule appointments through I-Plan, and sessions are open to anyone wanting to become more confident with AI in an academic setting, according to the website.

The new resource is part of BYU-Idaho’s broader effort to prepare students for emerging technologies while maintaining integrity, responsibility, and self-reliance in the learning process.