IT Governance Discusses AI for UR

2024 saw the introduction of support for artificial intelligence (AI) at the University of Richmond, with the publication of usage guidelines for students, faculty, and staff on a new GenAI website and a pilot program for faculty and student use of different AI systems via SpiderAI. A tool for anyone at the University who communicates, MessageAI, was also released (note that you must be on the campus network or VPN to access).

Now, Vice President for Information Services (IS) and CIO Keith W. McIntosh, Ed.D., has convened the first of an ongoing series of conversations with the IT Governance Steering Committee (ITGSC) about the campus-wide future of AI at the University of Richmond. In the meeting, he highlighted that students are already using AI tools, faculty are experimenting with them, and administrative staff are seeking ways to leverage them. He shared that AI technologies are progressing in sophistication quickly, and that the University of Richmond needs to act to avoid falling behind what is happening at colleges and universities across the country. He spoke of the work of the academic-focused AI Working Group, and had committee members talk about AI applications already at Richmond, including Box AI and the Zoom AI Companion.

McIntosh had previously surveyed the committee, who indicated an interest in an enterprise AI tool. To proceed, Information Services will collect potential use cases from each of the areas around campus that are represented on the ITGSC, from which pilot programs could come. IS and the governance committee will collaborate over the prioritization of use cases to become pilots. The discussion then touched on resource allocation, the need for staff education on AI tools, and potential changes to internal processes to adapt to AI's rapid development.

Information Services is planning the start of a new administrative committee that would serve as a counterpart to the academic-focused AI Working Group. This group would dedicate itself to operational uses of AI, seeking to quickly start and support pilots identified by the IS review of the use cases submitted by ITGSC members.

Training and support were identified as must-haves for the launch of this rapidly-changing technology. In the coming weeks, IS will provide a list of recommended AI courses in LinkedIn Learning. IS will also develop virtual and in-person workshops to be offered later this year.

Reached after the committee meeting, McIntosh said, "Liberal arts education has always been about critical thinking and creative problem-solving—precisely the skills needed to harness AI thoughtfully. Our measured approach to AI adoption will ensure we leverage these powerful tools while maintaining our commitment to human-centered education."