Creating Generative AI Guidance

Student sitting in comfortable chair on a laptop.

Creating Generative AI Guidance

In 2024, ITS convened a committee to develop guidance for using generative AI across various aspects of the university. Five subcommittees were formed for each of the following areas:

  • Policy
  • Teaching and Learning
  • Research
  • Communications
  • Operational Efficiencies

Charge and Work

The subcommittees undertook the following work with the general principles:

  • Defined Purpose: Clarify each department’s vision, mission, and goals, and explore how AI can bolster them.
  • Assessed the Landscape: Evaluate our current AI capabilities, infrastructure, data availability, talent pool, and organizational culture. Identify gaps and opportunities.
  • Incorporated an Ethical Framework: Establish principles, policies, and governance for responsible AI use, aligning them with our university’s values.
  • Prioritized Strategically: Identify high-impact AI use cases that align with our overall objectives.
  • Considered a Roadmap and Execution: Develop a practical plan for implementing, scaling, and sustaining AI initiatives. Define roles, responsibilities, and necessary resources.

Key Tasks

Below are the four key tasks each subcommittee was asked to undertake:

  • Convene a Diverse Team: Assemble a group of 3 to 4 individuals who share an interest in the intersection of AI and our field. These team members need not be part of the existing task force; fresh perspectives are valuable.
  • Campus Inventory: Take stock of existing activities, groups, and resources related to AI on campus. We’ll create a dedicated Teams channel for sharing documentation.
  • Identify Opportunities and Risks: Brainstorm a concise list of opportunities and potential threats or risks specific to your area. How can AI enhance our work, and what challenges might we face?
  • Think Creatively: Explore innovative uses of AI —how can AI revolutionize our teaching and learning efforts?

Project Completion and Shared Responsibility

The 2024 Generative AI Guidance Committee has successfully completed its charge. The subcommittees were assembled, carried out their tasks diligently, and contributed valuable insights and recommendations. Their work has laid a strong foundation for our institutional AI strategy. For more information and access to resources, please visit ai.iastate.edu

Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly evolving field. New applications, tools, and ethical considerations emerge continuously, offering fresh opportunities to enhance our work and improve outcomes. At Iowa State University, we remain committed to staying at the forefront of AI innovation.

While AI is a powerful technology and an enterprise tool managed by ITS, it belongs to all of us at Iowa State University. It is a shared endeavor and a collective goal to innovate responsibly. Every member of our university community has a role to play in shaping the future of AI.