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Queen's Strategic AI Framework

Approaching AI: Our Framework in Development

As the University for the future, our community explores, discovers, experiments, integrates and grows AI capabilities to fulfill our institutional 91ĘÓƵ. AI does not belong everywhere in our university and we need to determine as a community where it should be used and where it should not. This framework compliments but does not interfere with the significant amount of AI research already underway at Queen’s. It provides guidance and structure for the thoughtful use of AI at the university in alignment with our values. We will bring together all those working with, studying, and considering AI, in a nexus that shares ideas, aspirations, and breakthroughs that improve the lives of those at Queen’s. This initial framework will continue to be refined and developed over time by our community in alignment with our values.

A photo of the Politics Graduate and Undergraduate class in session, with the professor sitting in front of a seminar desk lecturing a group of students.

Enhance the Educational Experience

AI-supported teaching and learning will enhance our students' education experience, with human interaction remaining at its core.

A student sits at a desk examining something with a high-tech microscope. She is wearing globes and a lab coat. A professor looks on.

Streamline Research Administration

AI tools will assist us in streamlining research administration.

A professor and dean shake hands at convocation. They are adorned in traditional robes.

Achieve Operational Excellence

AI will help us achieve operational excellence through the optimisation of services and automation of processes, freeing up people to devote additional time to high-value tasks that benefit from the human touch.

Generative AI

The newest wave of AI is known as generative artificial intelligence, or GenAI. GenAI is capable of producing (generating) new content such as:

  • Text
  • Images
  • Videos

and other content. Users generate content with natural language (i.e. conversational) prompts. The rise in popularity and availability of GenAI tools, some of which are available at no cost, combined with the ease of using them, has made GenAI technologies widely accessible over a very short period of time. This framework has been crafted to specifically address the use of GenAI.

Guiding Principles for Generative AI

Institutional AI Pillars

When it comes to using AI, we’re all about doing it the right way. That’s why we’ve identified six pillars to shape Queen’s adoption of AI, which are aligned with the University’s core values:  Truth, Responsibility, Respect, Freedom and Wellbeing. Our AI efforts are always about doing good and making a positive impact.

Enhancing Potential and Impact

AI tools will support and amplify human potential, targeting new frontiers. They will inspire creativity and enhance opportunities for diverse engagement, collaboration and impact.

Pursuing AI for Excellence

AI tools will be intuitively embraced to drive innovation and to elevate academic, administrative and operational standards, advancing the commitment to excellence across the institution.

Adapting to Change

We are committed to staying ahead of AI advancements, and our community will be empowered to effectively navigate and benefit from rapid AI progression, thus prioritizing adaptation to ongoing change.

Promoting Accessibility and Inclusivity

AI tools and resources will be accessible to all, bridging gaps, and accommodating diverse backgrounds, learning styles and experiences, while fostering an inclusive community.

Committing to Sustainability

We recognize that AI systems often require significant amount of computational power, leading to substantial energy consumption and environmental impact. Committed to supporting the University's sustainability goals, we will make an effort to prioritize tools offered by environmentally-conscious vendors.

Innovating Responsibly

AI tools will be leveraged to foster innovation and continuous advancements, and it will be done through inherent and thoughtful evaluation for risks and benefits. Queen’s responsible use of AI will be guided by clear principles, ensuring alignment with our core institutional values.

To align with the University’s core values and goals, we classify AI use into four categories—Prohibited, Permitted, Encouraged, and Required. This structured approach will help us navigate the evolving landscape of AI, balancing its transformative potential with the need for ethical compliance, robust governance and sustainability considerations.

Prohibited

AI technologies, resources, uses, activities, and applications that are prohibited at Queen's.

Permitted

AI technologies, resources, uses, activities, and applications that are can be used at Queen's .

Encouraged

AI technologies, resources, uses, activities, and applications that are encouraged at Queen's .

Required

AI technologies, resources, uses, activities, and applications that are compulsory at Queen's .