The University of Wyoming (UW) has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) consortium aimed at coordinating the responsible integration of the technology across academics, research, and administration.
The President’s AI Across the University Commission, comprised of 12 members and chaired by Jeff Hamerlinck, the associate director of the School of Computing, will provide leadership on AI policy development; support educators, researchers, and staff in best practices; and foster understanding of AI’s impact across the university, according to a press release.
“AI is transforming every aspect of society, and UW is committed to leading responsibly in this space,” UW President Ed Seidel said in a statement. “This commission will ensure that our approach to AI reflects our mission and priorities, and positions the university for success in teaching, research, and service to the state.”
Within the commission, five thematic committees will work to expand campus participation and input. These committees will focus on AI-related academic hiring, AI research and development opportunities, AI services and tools, external collaborations, and teaching and learning with AI. The Teaching and Learning with AI Committee already has more than 30 members and multiple working groups, according to the university.
By June, the university said it will complete and publish a strategic framework for UW’s AI policy, investments, and best practices for the next two years.
UW is Wyoming’s only university, located in a state that relies heavily on coal, oil, and gas revenue and has the least diverse state economy in the nation. Only the District of Columbia has a less diverse economy, according to the university.
Major goals in standing up the commission, according to UW, are to embrace AI to diversify the state’s economy while developing its workforce. Other areas that UW said the commission hopes to improve through its work include government operations, health care delivery, and resource management.
“With how quickly the AI landscape is evolving, it’s important to be coordinated in both identifying and understanding needs – and responding in an appropriate and adequately resourced manner,” Hamerlinck said. “The commission aims to facilitate such an approach.”
The commission has no sunset date. Current commission members’ terms will run through Dec. 31, 2026.