AI Steering Committee - Marist University

Marist + AI

Marist's Ethics Statement on Artificial Intelligence

Our Vision

Image of the Marist AI logo. Image of Marist+AI logo. Guided by our mission to foster enlightened, ethical, and productive lives, Marist University envisions a future where artificial intelligence enhances education while preserving human dignity, individual agency, and well-being. The integration of AI requires careful consideration of how its use aligns with our institutional values while acknowledging its impact on societal structures, cultural frameworks, and material resources. We affirm that responsible use of AI can create more equitable access to educational resources and opportunities across our community while upholding ethical standards.

The principles outlined below establish our approach to advancing from AI literacy and education to a culture of AI leadership and innovation that aligns with Marist's values and goals. They serve as our foundational framework and establish the high-level values and commitments that will shape the development of specific policies, operational guidelines, and decisions about AI technologies and their use at Marist. Committee leadership is committed to regularly assessing, revising and adapting policies in this rapidly evoloving landscape.

The Six Principles for Marist + AI

We will ensure meaningful human oversight so that AI technologies support Marist's mission without replacing the critical human elements of decision-making. We will maintain the highest standards of integrity, particularly as we integrate AI tools into teaching and learning. Our goal is to deploy AI solutions that empower people, enhance their abilities, and maintain their autonomy.

We will prioritize transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI initiatives. This commitment includes making the role and usage of AI clear to our community and establishing frameworks that hold us accountable for AI outcomes. We will actively work to ensure that AI is used in a fair, transparent, and secure manner that respects privacy. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity by defining ethical guidelines for AI use in academic work.

We will facilitate equity, collaboration, and education in AI initiatives. This commitment includes evaluating the broader social implications of AI and fostering positive contributions to both our community and global society. We will actively work to prevent AI from exacerbating existing inequalities through comprehensive education about algorithmic bias, data privacy, and labor impacts. We are dedicated to developing a critical and responsible approach to AI by establishing clear frameworks for its implementation.

We recognize the importance of environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship of resources in the deployment of AI. We commit to collaborating with individuals, offices, and committees to understand, assess, and guide actions that minimize AI's environmental impact. We will be mindful of the environmental impact associated with AI technologies and collaborate with partners who share our commitment to sustainability.

We will facilitate equitable access to AI tools and serve as a resource through our institutional initiative to design responses to AI. We will work to bridge the digital divide by providing targeted support to those who need it. Our goal is to make AI a force for inclusion and opportunity for everyone in our community.

We will foster an informed and engaged community regarding AI. We will promote AI literacy to ensure that our students, faculty, and staff understand and are prepared to use AI responsibly in the classroom and the workplace. Additionally, we will create opportunities for open dialogue about AI's role and impact, allowing for continued conversations and contributions to our approach and to help adapt our guidelines as technology and community needs evolve.