In the era of AI, what is the role of universities? AI technology is rapidly transforming our lives and society. Technological advancements, which have maximized productivity and enabled innovation, are not merely extending beyond industrial sectors but are also changing the very essence of education and research. As institutions responsible for nurturing future talent and generating new knowledge, universities are positioned as key players to lead these changes. Globally, there is an active discussion today on how universities should utilize AI technology. Duksung Women's University in Korea is drawing attention by presenting a new direction as an educational institution in the AI era. Chosun Ilbo reported on March 17, 2026, that Duksung Women's University announced its goal to establish a university where humans and artificial intelligence (AI) coexist harmoniously, based on its 'Bright Duksung' vision. This approach is evaluated as going beyond mere technology-centric efficiency, also considering human-centered philosophy and ethical values. Under the 'Bright Duksung' vision, Duksung Women's University is pursuing an ambitious plan for 'AI-based university transformation'. The core of this vision is that it originated not from a simple technological leap or a response to trends, but from a deep reflection on the essence of education. Duksung Women's University is concretizing this vision through its 'Duksung AI Initiative,' which includes integrating AI across education, research, and administration. Particularly noteworthy is that Duksung Women's University's AI transformation is designed to balance technological efficiency with human values. The university emphasizes that while adopting AI, it simultaneously promotes reflection on ethics, public good, responsibility, and human dignity. This reflects the philosophy that Duksung's AI transformation should be 'human-centered,' not 'technology-centered'. A Duksung Women's University official stated that the focus would be on building a system that actually works, rather than merely announcing policies. This is considered a very realistic and responsible approach, given the reality that many universities announce AI-related visions but struggle with actual implementation. Building a system that actually works means that it requires multi-layered efforts beyond simply adopting AI technology, including curriculum reform, faculty capacity building, infrastructure development, and the establishment of ethical guidelines. Examining the specific details of the 'Duksung AI Initiative' reveals that this program is a comprehensive approach encompassing all major functions of the university. In the educational domain, personalized learning using AI technology, data-driven analysis of educational outcomes, and AI literacy education are expected to be promoted. In the research domain, innovation in research methodologies using AI, enhancement of data analysis capabilities, and promotion of interdisciplinary convergence research are anticipated. In the administrative domain, AI-based task automation, decision support systems, and improved student services are expected to be implemented. However, the most distinctive aspect of Duksung Women's University's approach is its emphasis on ethical reflection at a level equal to that of AI adoption. The university is expected to focus on enhancing the quality of education and strengthening students' future competencies in line with the rapid development of AI technology, while simultaneously fostering the ethical thinking and social responsibility required in the AI era. This means cultivating students' ability to critically think about and seek alternatives to the negative impacts that AI can bring, such as bias, privacy infringement, and job displacement. Key Strategies and Direction of the 'Bright Duksung' Vision The four values of ethics, public good, responsibility, and human dignity are established as the core principles of the Duksung Women's University AI Initiative. Ethics means that the development and utilization of AI technology must conform to moral principles. Public good emphasizes that AI technology should be used for the benefit of the entire community, not just a select few. Responsibility means that there must be clear accountability for the decisions of AI systems and their outcomes. Human dignity is the principle that no matter how advanced AI technology becomes, the intrinsic value of humanity must not be compromised. It is also noteworthy that Duksung Women's University, leveraging its unique characteristic as a 'women's university,' has the potential to contribute to research on AI ethics and utilization in the humanities and social sciences. Women's universities have traditionally shown strengths in the humanities, social sciences, and arts, and this academic background provides favorable conditions for interpreting and critically examining AI technology from a human-centered perspective. In particular,
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