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The Artificial Intelligence Learning and Teaching Task Force (AILTTF) has been established in response to Senate’s June 2024 approval of a Senate Committee on University Teaching and Learning (SCUTL) motion calling for the development of university-level policy and guidelines on the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) by instructors and students for purposes of learning and teaching at SFU.

The main purposes of the AILTTF are threefold:

1.        To develop AI policy and guidelines that address students’ and instructors’ uncertainties and concerns over academic integrity, governance, data privacy, intellectual property rights, inequities, as well as the safe and ethical uses and expectations of AI in learning and teaching practices.

2.        To make recommendations on the development of processes and the provision of resources including broad foundational training for instructors and students on the acceptable uses of AI in various disciplinary contexts, oversight and operational support for the introduction of AI technologies into classrooms, and a governance structure that can guide university decisions and policy amendments amidst the changing landscape of AI technologies.

3.        To work with the Senate Graduate Studies Committee (SGSC) on suggested requirements for transparency statements on the uses of AI in research, exams and theses and the provision of AI training available for graduate students and supervisors.

To deliver on the goals of the Learning and Teaching Task Force, five subcommittees have been formed driven by expertise, desire and capacity. These subcommittees aim to ensure that AI is integrated into learning and teaching in a way that is ethical, effective, and supportive of both instructors and students.

1. Academic Integrity Subcommittee

Purpose: Focus on developing and overseeing policies and guidelines related to maintaining academic integrity in the use of AI.

2. Pedagogy and Teaching Innovation Subcommittee

Purpose: Focus on the integration of AI into teaching practices and the exploration of innovative pedagogical approaches.

3. Governance and Ethics Subcommittee

Purpose: Develop and oversee governance structures and ethical guidelines for the use of AI in learning and teaching.

4. Impact Assessment and Communication Subcommittee

Purpose: Monitor and evaluate the impact of AI on learning and teaching and ensure effective communication and awareness across the university.

5. Graduate Studies Subcommittee

Purpose: Address the specific needs and concerns related to AI use in graduate education.

The AI Operations Task Force will support the strategic implementation, integration, and management of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies within the university's operations. The group is responsible for ensuring that AI operational initiatives align with the university’s strategic goals, enhance operational efficiency, and foster innovation while upholding data privacy and security.

Mandate

To leverage AI technologies to enhance operational effectiveness, improve decision-making, and enrich the academic and administrative experience at the university.

Guiding Principles

• The AI Operations Task Force will encourage and foster the use of AI in SFU Operations that adheres to the university’s values, policies and compliance with relevant laws and regulations for AI usage, ensuring that AI initiatives respect privacy, avoid bias, and promote fairness.
• The Task Force will work with existing governance entities and, where appropriate, develop governance frameworks to manage AI deployment, including guidelines on data usage, security and privacy.
• Ensure alignment of AI initiatives with the university’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure the adherence to university governance frameworks for the use of AI.
• Facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge across all pillars to assist the development of effective and broad-based supports.
• Facilitate collaboration between departments, ensuring that AI technologies are effectively utilized and shared across the university.

Goals

• Oversee the deployment and integration of AI technologies in university operations, in supporting the needs of administration, facilities and student support services to:
  • Improve operational effectiveness and efficiency through automation and AI-driven insights.
  • Improve customer service and employee experience and engagement.
  • Enhance student lifecycle with personalized support services, from recruitment through graduation.
  • Support research and innovation by providing AI tools and infrastructure    
  • Strengthen data-driven decision-making across all university departments.
• Establish technology architecture and standards for AI infrastructure and applications.
• Monitor the impact of AI initiatives, using data-driven insights to optimize their implementation and outcomes.
• Identify ongoing training, support, and resources for staff to effectively use AI tools and their funding sources, e.g. software licensing, computing hardware, cloud subscriptions.
• Evaluating specific AI use cases to determine their applicability and benefit to our institutions.
• In collaboration with InfoSec and Archives and Records Management promote the completion of Security and Privacy Impact Assessments and periodic review of compliance processes.
• Provide guidance on the use of AI and copyright requirements.
• Contribute to a repository of AI-related resources, including best practices, case studies and policy templates.

To support the goals of the Operations Task Force, two subcommittees have been formed based on members’ expertise, interests, and capacity. Their mission is to ensure that AI adoption supports faculty and staff, while cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, and responsible innovation.

Their purpose is to promote the effective use of AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency, foster innovation, and enrich both academic and administrative experience.

1. Compliance & Risk Subcommittee

Goals:

• In collaboration with InfoSec and Archives and Records Management promote the completion of Security and Privacy Impact Assessments and periodic review of compliance processes.
• Where appropriate, develop or adopt frameworks to manage AI deployment and use related to security, privacy, risk, and copyright.
• Identify and develop compliance guidelines, standards, and best practices for the SFU community to effectively use AI tools in a public university setting.

2. Awareness and Adoption

Goals: 

• Identifying and sharing resources to educate staff and faculty on AI technologies and their potential uses at the institution.
• Developing an inventory of AI applications that have been vetted and are potentially available for use.
• Assembling a repository of AI deployments and use cases at the institution to encourage innovation and facilitate collaboration between departments.
• Clarifying existing governance frameworks or processes to follow to propose, develop, and implement an AI project at the institution.