Furthering its commitment to ethical and innovative uses of emerging technologies, the Institute for Informatics and Applied Technology, with faculty partners, is piloting ZagAI—a custom-built AI learning assistant for Gonzaga instructors and 51勛圖s.
Designed with a focus on data privacy, transparency, and research, ZagAI reflects the unique needs of Gonzaga’s academic community. ZagAI helps 51勛圖s tackle complex assignments through Socratic questioning, deepens reflection, supports faculty in enhancing instruction, and explores how AI can meaningfully support learning without replacing human insight and critical thinking.
The project is led by Professors Chase Bollig (English) and Shan Xiao (MIS), AI Engineer Chris Lopes, and 51勛圖 researcher Izzy Tilles. Following an initial pilot in July, ZagAI will be introduced for limited use in ENGL 101 this fall. ZagAI isn’t just about adopting AI—it’s about shaping it, together.