Artificial Intelligence at Virginia Tech

Artificial Intelligence at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech’s approach to artificial intelligence is university-wide, encompassing teaching and learning, research, and university operations. As the university continues its AI journey, this page will expand to include guidelines for responsible use, information about ongoing AI initiatives, and links to helpful resources, both internal and external to Virginia Tech. This website reflects ongoing efforts to harness the potential of AI while adhering to ethical principles and managing associated risks.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group

The AI working group formed in the spring of 2024 at the request of sponsors Cyril Clarke, executive vice president and university provost, and Amy Sebring, executive vice president and chief operating officer. The group is charged with the development of a framework for the use of Artificial Intelligence at Virginia Tech that will include guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of AI, explore the potential benefits and risks, and provide a basis for building awareness about AI and disseminate Virginia Tech’s guidance for faculty, staff, and students.

Objectives

The AI working group is focused on achieving the following key objectives:

Developing a draft framework for the responsible and ethical use of AI at Virginia Tech that includes risk mitigation and oversight.
Identifying areas where additional guidance or resources may be needed to support the responsible use of AI.
Completing a gap analysis of existing university policies, standards and procedures that may be impacted by or are related to AI and recommend an AI policy framework.
If feasible, recommending an initial set of approved generative AI tools & platforms for broad use, along with associated costs.
Recommending an AI working group structure for the future, to include ad hoc and ongoing structures as necessary, aligning with university and IT governance groups as appropriate.
Creating a prioritized list of tasks for future working groups to address.

By providing this guidance, and bringing together all of the viewpoints, concerns, and possibilities that surround this groundbreaking new area, the working group hopes to create a unified body of well-considered principles that will inform processes and decisions to benefit the university for years to come.