Virginia Tech AI Governance

Notice

The AI Working Committee structure described on this page represents the recommended governance framework from the September 2025 Responsible and Ethical AI Framework for Virginia Tech report. 

Introduction

Virginia Tech is establishing comprehensive AI governance to guide responsible artificial intelligence adoption across all university functions. Our governance approach ensures specialized AI expertise while integrating with university-wide technology governance, providing clear accountability and decision-making structures.

AI Working Committee

Overview

The AI Working Committee will serve as a formal standing working committee within Virginia Tech’s IT governance framework, reporting to the IT Governance Advisory Committee with delegated responsibility for AI-related issues across the university. See the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Committee accordion under the Membership heading on the Information Technology Governance page for committee members.

Structure and Authority

Advisory Role

The AI Working Committee will provide advisory stewardship over shared practices, policies, and resources that enable responsible AI adoption. The committee will make recommendations to campus leadership through established governance channels, with operational implementation decisions remaining with appropriate campus leaders and units.

Decision Framework

• Advisory Functions: Guidance and recommendations on AI policies, standards, and implementations
• Operational Support: Day-to-day AI implementation decisions remain with campus operational leaders
• High-Risk Review: Committee advises executive leadership on high-risk AI implementations
• Policy Development: Authority for AI policy development will be determined through the IT governance process

Integration with IT Governance

The AI Working Committee will operate in parallel to other standing committees, such as the Research Technology Working Committee and Teaching and Learning Working Committee, ensuring AI governance benefits from enterprise-wide technology coordination while maintaining focused expertise.

Specialized Subgroups

The AI Working Committee will establish domain-focused subgroups to ensure comprehensive guidance across university functions:

AI for Teaching & Learning

• Develops practical faculty guidance and implementation guides
• Creates syllabus language templates and assessment strategies
• Establishes student AI literacy curriculum and faculty training programs

AI for Research

• Develops research-specific guidance and intellectual property guidelines
• Establishes publication standards and data handling protocols
• Addresses ethical review processes for AI-assisted research

AI for Operations

• Focuses on administrative AI implementations
• Develops guidelines for automated decision systems with human oversight
• Establishes vendor evaluation procedures and staff training programs

Resources

Governance Documents

• Final AI Framework Report (PDF): Responsible and Ethical AI Framework for Virginia Tech—a comprehensive governance and implementation framework
• Full AI Principles Document (PDF): Complete principles with context and implementation guidance
• AI Principles Summary (PDF): One-page quick reference for meetings and distribution

Related Information

• AI Principles: Guidelines for responsible AI use
• Approved Tools: Discover approved AI platforms and how to request access. 
• Training Opportunities: Find AI literacy resources and professional development opportunities.
• News & Announcements: Latest AI initiatives at Virginia Tech

This page reflects the governance structure outlined in the Responsible and Ethical AI Framework for Virginia Tech, published September 2025.

Last Updated: February 17, 2026