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91��ý is expanding its Artificial Intelligence Strategic Steering Committee (AISSC) with an updated charge (PDF) to lead a more connected, systematic approach to AI that supports students’ learning, prepares them for success in an AI-enabled world and strengthens how the university approaches teaching and learning, the student experience, research and creative work, and operations.

The expanded committee will bring together campus leaders from academic affairs, operations and shared governance, along with students, faculty and staff to strengthen alignment and guide AI-related decision-making. (The original AISSC was formed in spring 2024 and included representation from research, teaching and learning, and administrative domains.) Orrie Gartner, interim vice chancellor for IT, will serve as co-chair of the committee. An additional co-chair will be announced once the vice provost for academic technology and resource management position in the Division of Academic Affairs is filled.

The updated charge reflects the rapid evolution of AI and its growing impact on higher education and will strengthen coordination, improve communication and support informed, consistent integration of AI across campus in ways that advance students’ learning, prepare them to lead and succeed in an AI-enabled workforce and support their long-term success.

Learn more about the AISSC, including membership and the full charge, on the��AISSC committee page.

A coordinated response to a rapidly evolving landscape

AI is already reshaping how universities operate, from classroom instruction to research and creative work to administrative functions. With increased investment in AI tools and growing questions around AI literacy, equitable access and responsible use, 91��ý is taking steps to ensure a more connected and systematic approach, informed by broad participation and shared governance.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming how we teach, conduct research and creative work, and operate as a university,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz.��

“This expanded effort reflects our commitment to a coordinated, thoughtful and principles-driven approach that positions 91��ý to lead among public universities while staying grounded in our mission. It is also about ensuring our students graduate with the knowledge, skills and adaptability they need to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by AI.”

Defining a clear role for leadership and coordination

The expanded AISSC will serve as the university’s central coordinating body for AI, helping to align efforts across campus and build a cohesive AI ecosystem that capitalizes on the expertise and opportunities that are unique to 91��ý while supporting teaching, learning and research for students and faculty. Through its work, the committee will provide guidance to campus leadership, support strategic planning and foster consistent conversations about how AI affects students’ learning, opportunities, career readiness and long-term success, while helping the university navigate the opportunities and risks associated with this rapidly evolving technology.

Key responsibilities

The AISSC’s work will focus on four core areas:

• Advising and recommending: Provide guidance on AI-related priorities, opportunities, risks, investments and policy development.
• Coordinating and convening: Align AI initiatives across teaching and learning, the student experience, research and creative work, and operations; oversee subcommittees and working groups.
• Monitoring and ensuring alignment: Track regulatory developments, support compliance and benchmark against peer institutions.
• Communicating and educating: Share updates and expand AI training and literacy resources for students, faculty and staff.

These efforts are designed to strengthen alignment across campus while supporting thoughtful, responsible adoption and use of AI.��

A collaborative, shared governance approach

A central component of the expanded committee is strong collaboration with shared governance, including the Boulder Faculty Assembly, Staff Council and student governments (CUSG and GPSG).

The AISSC is intended to coordinate and connect efforts across campus, not to replace existing authority or infringe on faculty roles and responsibilities.

“We appreciate campus leadership for recognizing the urgency and complexity of AI and for engaging shared governance as a partner in this work,” said David Paradis, chair of the Boulder Faculty Assembly. “This thoughtful and inclusive approach will help ensure students, faculty and staff are well supported as we navigate these changes together.”��

Immediate priority: AI training and literacy

One of the committee’s first priorities will be to advance AI education across campus.

“An initial priority for the committee is to develop an improved AI training module for the Boulder campus,” said Provost Ann Stevens. “This will ensure our community has the tools and understanding needed to use AI effectively and responsibly.”

In the interim, members of AISSC have overseen a working group that is creating the student AI training module to be rolled out before students arrive in August. Completion of this training will be required for access to the CU-supported��ChatGPT Edu tool. 91��ý are being provided by the Office of the Provost to facilitate this important work, monitored by the co-chairs of this steering committee.����

Looking ahead

As AI continues to evolve, 91��ý leaders are aware that many emerging questions will intersect with existing policies, systems and practices, including human resources, data infrastructure and academic programs.

Through the expanded AISSC, 91��ý aims to strengthen coordination, support responsible and equitable use of AI, and position the university to lead in a rapidly changing landscape.

By aligning efforts across campus and investing in guidance, training and collaboration, the university is taking a proactive, comprehensive approach that puts students' learning and success at the center of one of the most transformative technologies shaping higher education.