What is MACH?

MACH (Massachusetts Artificial Intelligence Collaborative for Higher Education) is a grassroots initiative that brings together Massachusetts state universities and community colleges to explore and leverage the potential of AI in higher education. Launched as a proof of concept in the 2023-2024 academic year and moving into its full startup phase during the 2024-2025 academic year, MACH takes a collaborative, bottom-up approach to examining how AI can enhance both academic and operational aspects of public higher education.​

The initiative focuses on two key areas: enhancing teaching and learning through AI integration; and leveraging AI to improve administrative operations. MACH emphasizes practical implementation through cross-institutional projects. What makes MACH distinctive is its inclusive approach - membership is open to all faculty and staff from Massachusetts public higher education institutions, fostering diverse perspectives and expertise. The organization operates through regular monthly meetings and working groups focused on specific areas like collaborative projects, risk assessment and policy development, professional development for teachers and administrators, and events that address specific needs. This structure allows for organic growth of initiatives based on actual needs and opportunities identified by practitioners in the field.

Mission Statement 

Adopted November 2023

Our mission is to proactively collaborate across the state's public universities and community colleges to integrate generative AI ethically and responsibly to enhance teaching, learning, and operations. We will examine emerging trends and develop responsible policies to govern the use of generative AI. We will also promote the creative, secure, ethical, and equitable application of generative AI in classrooms and administration, identify potential funding opportunities, and serve as a model for the integration of generative AI in higher education.  

Membership

MACH membership is open to all faculty and staff members of Massachusetts’ community colleges and  state universities.

Monthly Meetings

Meetings are scheduled for 1.00 PM on the third Friday of each month during the academic year.  To participate, contact MACH Co-chair Don Vescio (dvescio@worcester.edu).