Artificial intelligence is reshaping our world. As a leading research university, U-M has the opportunity and responsibility to contribute to our collective future by creating, applying, and sharing knowledge that serves the people of Michigan and the world. We will guide AI’s potential toward enriching lives, advancing the public good, and preparing leaders to challenge the present and build a better future. People, not AI, will take final responsibility for the decisions and outcomes of their AI use.
1. Champion responsible, human-centric AI
AI should augment human capabilities, not replace human creativity, discovery, expression, or professional fulfillment. We will keep people at the center and use technology to improve the human condition. As individuals and as a campus community, we will lead responsibly in the outcomes of AI use.
2. Advance our institutional mission
U-M will explore the thoughtful integration of AI to enhance teaching and learning, and to accelerate research and discovery across the university’s scholarly and service areas. We will remain watchful of potential unintended negative consequences due to AI, and we will support scholarly work and activities that investigate such impacts. We will be discerning in our application of AI, prioritizing uses that generate knowledge, improve lives, and serve society.
3. Support critical thinking development while building AI literacy
Faculty, staff and students at U-M should have access to the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the age of AI. AI literacy includes a general understanding of how AI systems work, their biases, their social and environmental impacts, and when and how they may be used. We will study outcomes, listen to our communities, and adapt as the technology changes.
4. Lead with purpose and engage in continuous improvement
AI has significant potential to improve lives, but realizing that potential requires us to be thoughtful about its risks and consequences. U-M must be agile in advancing its promise, reducing its risks, and defining what comes next. Disciplines will be called upon to define how AI should be utilized and optimized in their specific areas.
5. Center ethics, integrity, and transparency
While AI can inform decisions, its use must reflect ethical judgment and uphold academic integrity, research rigor, clinical judgment, and the standards of each profession. The university and community members should comply with governing law and be transparent about how AI is used to generate, analyze, or support work in areas such as teaching, scholarship, operations, and communication.
6. Ensure privacy of data and of the university community
Trust is essential to AI adoption. U-M will safeguard university, research, and patient data through strong institutional governance. AI systems and usage must follow security, compliance, and privacy practices and be clear about their capabilities and limitations.