Establishing a framework and guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) at Virginia Tech is the focus of a report drafted by an AI working group charged by Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Amy Sebring.

The comprehensive “Responsible and Ethical AI Framework for Virginia Tech” report includes an analysis of potential benefits and risks and provides a basis for building awareness about AI among faculty, staff, and students. It also proposes a framework for governance structures for AI decision-making, comprehensive training and professional development recommendations, and university policy reviews for responsible adoption.

The working group, co-chaired by Dale Pike, associate vice provost for technology-enhanced learning, and David Raymond, associate vice president for security and identity in the Division of IT, conducted detailed environmental scans, peer institution analyses, stakeholder interviews, and community input sessions to develop the framework. The working group spent nearly 18 months engaging with faculty, staff, and student representatives across the university to develop the core principles and recommendations.

“As a land-grant research university, Virginia Tech is committed to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), and that commitment should extend to our use of AI," said Pike. “This framework and the collaborative efforts of the working group help guide our artificial intelligence adoption toward alignment with our mission, priorities, and Principles of Community.”

“The input from and perspectives of our campus community are critically important to developing a framework that enables and supports responsible use of AI and ensure it can adapt to changes within the institution or in the technology itself,” said Raymond. “We will continue to leverage the expertise and opportunities we have at Virginia Tech to enhance student success and advance our goals and priorities through AI best practices.”

Virginia Tech’s approach to AI is universitywide, encompassing all facets of the land-grant mission. With input from campus stakeholders, the framework establishes seven core principles to guide AI use across teaching, research, operations, and outreach functions:

  • Mission alignment: We use AI only in ways that further Virginia Tech's teaching, research, and outreach mission and honor our Principles of Community. 
  • Innovation for good: We explore new AI tools boldly while weighing benefits against risks.
  • Human-centered benefit: AI should extend — not replace — human insight, creativity, and well-being.
  • Responsible and ethical use: We consider environmental impact, intellectual property rights, and social consequences before deploying AI.
  • Fairness and transparency: We design, procure, and use AI systems that are explainable and strive to reduce bias. We disclose AI use to those affected by it.
  • Human judgment and accountability: People remain accountable for decisions influenced by AI. A human should always be in the loop for important decisions.
  • Data security and privacy: We safeguard personal and institutional data used in AI systems and interactions.

Pike and Raymond said the report is accompanied by an Artificial Intelligence at Virginia Tech website that provides detailed guidance for adopting AI responsibly across all university functions. Through the report recommendations, website, and support from leadership, the intention of the working group was to create a unified body of well-considered principles that will inform processes and decisions to benefit the university for years to come.

“Our continued investment in AI research, infrastructure, and education will be crucial to enhancing Virginia Tech's ability to employ this transformative technology to the benefit of those we serve,” said Clarke. “Several members of the working group will continue to analyze and advance details of the framework and develop actionable strategies for implementation, and I look forward to supporting their efforts and the guidance they provide.” 

Implementation of the report recommendations will include AI literacy training programs, policy and procedure updates, governance structure establishment, and expanded access to approved AI tools and resources. Colleges and departments will receive implementation guidance with training opportunities available throughout the academic year.

“As Virginia Tech continues to imagine and embrace the potential of AI in how we learn, advance discoveries, and work, it is important that our approach be intentional and responsible, providing guidance and infrastructure that aids our campus community in embracing this powerful technology,” said Sebring. “I want to thank the working group co-chairs and members for their diligent work and for their recommendations on how best to use AI tools and practices in a productive, collaborative, and ethical manner.”

For more information including a link to the complete AI working group report, AI principles, and framework implementation details, visit the Artificial Intelligence at Virginia Tech website.

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