Faculty, students, and staff from across Harvard recently convened at the Generative AI Symposium to discuss the profound impacts and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) on academia. The event, held in a packed Klarman Hall, was co-sponsored by multiple departments and institutes within the university, reflecting the institution's commitment to a comprehensive exploration of AI's role in education. Karim Lakhani, the Dorothy and Michael Hintze Professor of Business Administration and founding chair of the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard, kicked off the symposium by emphasizing the transformative potential of generative AI. He argued that these tools could enhance Harvard's mission of pursuing truth and innovation. However, Lakhani also acknowledged the need for a re-evaluation of educational methods and values in light of AI's capabilities. John Manning, Harvard University Provost and Dane Professor of Law, set the tone by framing the symposium as a "One Harvard" moment, underscoring the importance of a unified approach to integrating AI into academic practices. A central theme of the symposium was the distinction between access to information and genuine learning. Nonie K. Lesaux, dean of the faculty and Roy E. Larsen Professor of Education and Human Development at Harvard Graduate School of School of Education, pointed out that access to vast amounts of data does not equate to deep understanding or sustained learning. This sentiment was echoed by Christopher W. Stubbs, Samuel C. Moncher Professor of Physics and Astronomy, who noted the diversity in faculty attitudes toward AI. Some embrace it as a tool to enhance teaching, while others see it as a disruptive force that may undermine traditional learning processes. Stubbs emphasized the need for a thorough reassessment of educational goals and methods. Iavor Bojinov, assistant professor and Richard Hodgson Fellow at Harvard Business School, shared his experience teaching an AI-native course titled "Data Science and AI for Leaders." While students were enthusiastic about AI tools, they often questioned the necessity of learning when they could simply copy and paste information. Bojinov highlighted the challenge of balancing accessibility with authenticity in learning. Despite these concerns, the symposium showcased several instances where researchers are leveraging generative AI to drive significant advancements. Alberto Cavallo, Thomas S. Murphy Professor of Business Administration, used AI to analyze product origins and tariff impacts, a task that would have been impractical without such technology. Rachel Carmody, Thomas D. Cabot Associate Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology, demonstrated how AI processed petabytes of metagenomic data to study gut bacteria, reducing what would have been a year-long project to a mere week. The symposium also addressed the ethical and practical dilemmas of AI usage. When polled, the audience was divided on whether students should use AI to summarize class readings, and if professors should employ it for tasks like writing recommendation letters or conducting initial assessments of student work. These debates highlighted the need for clear guidelines and ethical considerations. Harvard has been proactive in fostering a responsible and innovative approach to AI. In 2022, Harvard Business School established the Digital Data Design Institute to provide data-driven insights on AI's economic and societal impacts. In 2023, Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT), along with the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and other stakeholders, launched an AI "sandbox" environment where users can experiment with large language models safely. The symposium concluded with student presentations and a reception featuring interactive demonstrations of AI applications. These activities reinforced the collaborative and hands-on nature of Harvard's engagement with AI, aligning with the institution's broader goal of elevating teaching, learning, and research through technology. Industry insiders and tech experts view the symposium as a crucial step in addressing the evolving landscape of higher education. They commend Harvard for its proactive stance on AI integration, recognizing the institution's role as a leader in this field. The Digital Data Design Institute and the AI sandbox serve as practical examples of Harvard's commitment to preparing students and educators for the future, where AI will undoubtedly play a more significant role. By fostering a culture of critical thinking and ethical use, Harvard aims to ensure that AI enhances rather than diminishes the quality of education and research.