Blog from Ioannis Koutroulis, Associate Dean for MD Admissions, School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Participating in the GWALA Leadership Program has been an invaluable experience, providing me with critical insights into leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement. My project focuses on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in university admissions, an increasingly relevant issue as AI tools become more accessible to both applicants and schools. My goal is to establish clear, university-wide guidelines on how applicants can use AI while ensuring transparency in the admissions process.
At the heart of this initiative is the belief that AI can help level the playing field for applicants who may not have access to counseling or application preparatory services. However, disclosure is key-if applicants use AI tools to enhance their applications, they should be transparent about it. This balance between accessibility and integrity is central to our discussions.
Early in the project, we convened a meeting with admissions officials across the university to explore different perspectives on AI’s role in admissions. While there was broad agreement on the need for guidelines, recent policy shifts at the national level have required a thorough evaluation of this issue. We will be soon working on restarting the dialogue and moving forward with establishing clear, actionable guidelines that align with our university’s goals and commitment to innovation.
Through GWALA, I have gained critical skills in stakeholder engagement, conflict management, and quality decision-making, all of which have been essential in navigating this complex issue. Engaging faculty, staff, and administrators with differing viewpoints has reinforced the need for effective communication and emotional intelligence-both in presenting a clear vision and in addressing concerns with empathy. Additionally, the program’s discussions and didactics have helped me refine my leadership style, ensuring I remain focused on long-term institutional impact.
As we continue this work, my biggest takeaway from GWALA is that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about fostering dialogue, building consensus, and being adaptable. The conversations we are having about AI in admissions are just the beginning, and I am confident that with continued collaboration, we can implement guidelines that promote both innovation and transparency in the admissions process.
I look forward to applying the lessons learned through GWALA not only to this project but also to future leadership opportunities, ensuring that complex, evolving challenges are met with strategic thinking, ethical considerations, and a commitment to support our biggest asset, our students.