September 15, 2025 –
There are very few aspects of our lives that are not affected by artificial intelligence (AI). The rapid development and adoption of technology have dramatically changed how we live, work, teach and learn.
As UM is a research-intensive university with learning as its central mission, it is appropriate to explore the opportunities that AI can offer. Our community can benefit in a variety of ways, including education, enhancing accessibility, improving research capabilities, optimizing business processes, and providing personalized, student-centered learning. There are also risks that need to be considered, such as security, academic integrity, inaccurate or misleading information, resource use, and bias towards systematically disadvantaged groups.
In 2024, UM established the Commission on Artificial Intelligence to study these opportunities and risks and then develop principles that guide exploration. The Committee reviewed guidelines and documents from post-central institutions around the world before developing the principles listed below that are unique to UM.
What is AI?
AI is not just a single technology, but a way of simulating human learning, understanding, problem solving, creativity and more using computers and machines. Includes machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and Generation AI (Genai).
In higher education, genai is the main focus. These tools can create or generate your own content, such as text, code, images, videos, and more.
Guide principles
When using AI in UM, faculty, students and staff must follow the following guidelines:
Intellectual integrity
Intellectual integrity is at the heart of the UM. Faculty, students and staff are expected to maintain the highest academic standards and trust. Such criteria should also be maintained in the context of AI use. Ultimately, intellectual integrity promotes a culture of integrity, fairness and respect for knowledge.
A human-centered approach
Relationships are essential in the context of higher education. Therefore, a human-centered approach to using AI in UM is also important. Rather than replacing them, AI needs to strengthen human abilities. AI should provide opportunities to promote collaboration and innovation. The human characteristics of ethical consideration, trust and transparency are important for the effective and responsible use of AI. Ultimately, it is humans who guide the use of AI for meaningful and beneficial outcomes.
Responsible actions
UM faculty, students and staff are responsible for AI-related behaviour. This action should include prioritizing ethical use, integrity and transparency in the development, refinement and use of AI. It is important to maintain human surveillance in AI systems to optimize beneficial results and prevent misuse.
AI literacy and training
Education is the central mission of UM, and therefore UM is responsible for promoting the development of AI literacy within its community. In this way, users and AI-influenced users have the skills necessary to make informed choices in their responsible use of AI and the academic journey, career and life of AI.
Privacy and Data Security
UM must ensure that appropriate risk assessment and operational controls are implemented to ensure that UM data (including faculty, students and staff) is not compromised, and that the privacy of the user community is maintained and the intellectual property is protected.
Intellectual Property and Copyright
UM supports and defends the principles and laws related to the protection of the intellectual property of its faculty, students and staff. Use of copyrighted materials using AI systems must be carried out in accordance with copyright law or permission of the rights holder. UM is committed to monitoring evolving standards related to intellectual property protection as it relates to using AI and notifying UM faculty, students and staff of changes in requirements.
Environment and sustainability
UM is trying to become a sustainability leader on campus and will demonstrate leadership by integrating sustainability principles into strategic planning and operations. The infrastructure that supports AI systems can be concentrated with electricity and water. UM tries to prioritize enterprise AI systems from providers who prioritize sustainability practices as well as minimizing energy requirements.
Accessibility and fairness
UM commits to ensure that there are no barriers to student access to the system resulting from disabilities, socioeconomic disadvantages, or other factors associated with systematically disadvantaged groups when AI is necessary for teaching and learning. Additionally, UM continues to evaluate enterprise AI systems to ensure that such AI software does not unfairly discriminate against individuals and groups.
Risk and its mitigation
UM recognizes the internal and external risks associated with the use of AI and aims to eliminate or optimally reduce harm. These risks include, but are not limited to, exposure to individual or institutional data to third parties, copyright infringement, or loss of reputation resulting from processes or decisions that rely on AI. um can review enterprise AI systems and manage documents within the context of data governance, minimizing risk to faculty, students and staff.
Next Steps
Over the next few months, an online AI hub will be developed as a space for community members to discover actionable tips, resources and training opportunities. Please look forward to UM today for updates.
