At Case Western Reserve, our approach to artificial intelligence (AI) is guided by a human-centered governance model designed to support the responsible, ethical and strategic integration of AI across the university. This structure connects institutional leadership with campus implementation, helping align vision, policy and practice while ensuring AI strengthens—not replaces—the core values of a CWRU education.
Our focus is on discernment over dependency: helping students, faculty and staff make thoughtful choices about when, how and whether to use AI. AI use should support—not substitute for—human judgment, creativity, critical thinking and discovery. Because AI is a tool for enhancing—not bypassing—critical thought, our existing standards for academic conduct, integrity and ethical decision-making apply fully to its use.
AI Policies
As AI tools become part of academic, research, administrative and professional work at CWRU, responsible use is a shared responsibility across our campus community. Students, faculty, staff and administrators are expected to act with integrity, transparency, discernment and accountability while upholding the policies, standards and values that define our university, including CWRU’s undergraduate Academic Integrity Policy.
Best Practices for AI Use
When using predictive, generative or agentic AI, it is important to keep these key practices in mind:
- Use AI as a collaborative tool, not a replacement for human thinking, judgment or original work.
- Practice integrity, transparency and data security when using AI in academic, research and administrative settings.
- Review and refine AI outputs to improve accuracy, quality and relevance.
- Stay informed about evolving AI guidance and policies to support responsible and effective use.
Upholding Integrity and Values in AI Integration
- Classroom Integration: The Office of the Provost offers guidance on integrating AI into classroom settings, including best practices and strategies for leveraging AI in teaching and learning.
- AI Policies for Course Syllabi: The Office of the Provost also offers guidance on incorporating AI-related policies into course syllabi, along with a living survey of faculty-submitted Generative AI syllabus statements (launched June 2025).
- AI & Academic Writing: The CWRU Writing Program provides guidance on incorporating AI tools into academic writing, helping students and faculty use AI to enhance their research and writing processes.
- AI Legislation Tracker: As AI policy evolves nationwide, the MultiState AI Legislation Tracker offers a state-by-state view of proposed and enacted AI-related legislation. This external resource can help faculty, staff and administrators stay informed about emerging policy trends in AI governance. It is provided for awareness and should not be interpreted as CWRU policy or legal guidance.
Governance Structure
Our governance structure includes three core components—the AI Strategy Committee, AI Governance Committee and AI Task Force—along with related advisory groups that examine specific areas of impact, risk and opportunity across the university.
AI Strategy Committee
Executive Leadership
The AI Strategy Committee provides institutional vision and strategic direction for AI at CWRU.
Focus Areas
- Establish university-wide priorities for AI
- Align AI initiatives with institutional goals and values
- Guide long-term investments, partnerships, and opportunities
- Ensure AI strategy reflects CWRU’s commitment to human-centered innovation
AI Governance Committee
Policy, Oversight, and Alignment
The AI Governance Committee helps translate institutional strategy into policies, standards, and guidance for AI use across the university.
Focus Areas
- Develop and maintain AI-related policies and guidance
- Ensure alignment with academic integrity, compliance, and institutional standards
- Address ethical considerations such as bias, transparency, accountability, and appropriate use
- Coordinate across schools, departments, and administrative units
AI Task Force
Implementation and Campus Engagement
The AI Task Force brings together faculty, staff, and both undergraduate and graduate students to help guide CWRU’s evolving AI strategy in education and related campus initiatives.
The task force promotes equitable and ethical access to AI tools, training, and support while working to strengthen coordination across the university. By building on existing infrastructure and connecting efforts across campus, it helps bridge gaps, enhance collaboration and expand the impact of shared resources.
Focus Areas
- Drive AI curriculum innovation and integration
- Develop training, AI literacy, and capacity-building initiatives
- Expand access to AI tools and platforms
- Support faculty, staff and student engagement through events, workshops and resources
Advisory Taskforce on AI, Social Media and Student Mental Health
Student Well-Being, Risk Awareness and Support
This task force examines emerging impacts on student well-being, connection and academic life. With expertise spanning student affairs, psychology, psychiatry, counseling, student perspectives, and General Counsel, the group identifies concerns, reviews relevant research and resources, and recommends approaches to support student mental health in an AI-driven digital environment.
Focus Areas
- Identify key ways AI and social media may affect student mental health, belonging and academic well-being
- Recommend evidence-based resources, communications and interventions
- Support awareness efforts that encourage students to seek human connection and professional support when needed
- Provide ongoing guidance to university leadership as related initiatives are developed and implemented