Northeastern Graduation Uses AI Voice, Some Students Dislike It

Northeastern University recently used an AI voice to announce graduates’ names during its commencement ceremony. Instead of faculty members calling out names as in past years, an artificial intelligence tool named Tassel was used to recite the names. This change caused dissatisfaction among some graduates who felt the experience lost its personal touch.

A recent graduate, Henry Bova, described the AI voice as strange and disconnected from the special moment. He expressed disappointment that after years of study, his name was read by a computer-generated voice rather than a human. Others also found the AI announcement unsettling and disrespectful, feeling it reduced an important ceremony to a mechanical process.

The university stated that the ceremonies were carefully planned to offer a memorable experience for everyone involved and said most feedback had been positive. Tassel is an AI platform that automates event planning and promotion and is used by several well-known universities, including Stanford, the University of Michigan, and Arizona State University.

The use of AI in this context raises questions about balancing tradition and technology in significant life events. Graduation ceremonies are deeply personal, and many believe that hearing their names spoken by real people adds meaning. While AI may streamline logistics, it can also make the experience feel impersonal and less respectful.

Northeastern’s move highlights the challenges institutions face as they incorporate new technology. While the university views the AI voice as a modern enhancement, some students prefer the warmth of human interaction. As AI becomes more common in education, schools will need to carefully decide where technology fits best without overshadowing important human moments.

This event at Northeastern is part of a broader conversation about AI’s role in schools. As technology advances, it is essential to preserve personal connections and respect traditions, especially during milestones like graduations.