Artificial intelligence presents both challenges and opportunities for UMW and other institutions of higher learning. The University has formed several groups to research, consider, and debate the questions that arise as the institution works to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI in higher education.

AI Working Group

Charge

The AI Working Group is charged with assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education and advising on appropriate institutional responses. The group monitors emerging developments, identifies opportunities and risks for teaching, learning, research, administration, and student success, and recommends principles, policies, practices, and resources that support responsible, equitable, and effective use of AI. In all its work, the group strives to uphold UMW’s mission and values, protect academic integrity and privacy, and promote innovation while preserving human judgment and the quality of the educational experience.

Members (current and former)

  • Tim O’Donnell | Provost
  • Jeffrey McClurken | Chief of Staff & Vice President of Strategy
  • Jonathan Piersol | Chief Information Officer
  • David Fleming | Dean of Residence Life and Housing & Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Victoria Russell | Director, Center for Teaching
  • Anand Rao | Director, Center for AI and the Liberal Arts and Professor of Communication and Digital Studies
  • Zachary Spaeth | Director of Data Insight, Research and Prospect Management
  • Jerry Slezak | Director, Digital Learning Support
  • Cartland Berge | Director, Digital Knowledge Center
  • Shannon Hauser | Associate Director, Digital Knowledge Center

Enterprise AI Implementation & Governance Committee

Charge

The Enterprise AI Governance Committee is charged with developing policies and governance practices for the responsible adoption and use of enterprise artificial intelligence platforms at the University of Mary Washington. The committee assesses the usage, costs, benefits, risks, and institutional impacts of enterprise AI platforms, including NebulaOne and Microsoft Copilot, and makes recommendations regarding procurement, implementation, access, oversight, and ongoing evaluation. Its work promotes secure, equitable, cost-effective, and mission-aligned use of AI while protecting privacy, data security, academic and operational integrity, and the interests of the UMW community.

Members (current and former)

  • Anand Rao | Director, Center for AI and the Liberal Arts
  • Michael Reno | Assistant Director, Center for AI and the Liberal Arts and Senior Lecturer, Cultural and Philosophical Inquiry
  • Cartland Berge | Director, Digital Knowledge Center
  • David Dean | Director of Systems and Cloud Operations
  • Edward Gray | Director of IT Service Delivery
  • Ryland Willis | Web Content Specialist

Existing Advisory and Governance Groups

In addition to groups formed with the explicit charge of addressing issues of AI in higher education, many existing units consider and advise on AI policies and procedures as part of their ongoing work. These groups include: