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
CWRU has established a coordinated AI governance structure that brings together executive leadership, university-wide oversight, cross-functional working groups, and campus task forces. Together, these groups are helping the university build on the momentum around AI—advancing new ideas, capabilities, partnerships, and opportunities—while also thoughtfully addressing the concerns, risks, and questions that come with rapidly evolving technology. The structure connects strategy with perspectives and expertise from across CWRU, helping ensure our approach to AI remains innovative, responsible, and human-centered as we shape what comes next.