Virginia Tech releases 7-principle AI framework for campus use

Virginia Tech has released a comprehensive framework for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence across its campus operations, research, and teaching functions. The 18-month effort, led by a university-wide working group, establishes seven core principles and governance structures to guide AI adoption while aligning with the institution’s land-grant mission and “Ut Prosim” (That I May Serve) values.

What you should know: The framework represents one of the most comprehensive institutional approaches to AI governance in higher education, addressing everything from classroom use to research applications.

• The working group, co-chaired by Dale Pike, associate vice provost for technology-enhanced learning, and David Raymond, associate vice president for security and identity, conducted detailed environmental scans, peer institution analyses, and community input sessions across nearly 18 months of development.
• Implementation will include AI literacy training programs, policy updates, governance structure establishment, and expanded access to approved AI tools and resources.
• Colleges and departments will receive specific implementation guidance with training opportunities available throughout the academic year.

The seven core principles: Virginia Tech’s AI framework establishes specific guidelines that span all university functions, from teaching to operations.

• Mission alignment: AI use must further Virginia Tech’s teaching, research, and outreach mission while honoring Principles of Community.
• Innovation for good: Bold exploration of new AI tools while carefully weighing benefits against risks.
• Human-centered benefit: AI should extend rather than replace human insight, creativity, and well-being.
• Responsible and ethical use: Environmental impact, intellectual property rights, and social consequences must be considered before AI deployment.
• Fairness and transparency: AI systems must be explainable, bias-reducing, and disclosed to those affected by their use.
• Human judgment and accountability: People remain accountable for AI-influenced decisions, with humans always in the loop for important choices.
• Data security and privacy: Personal and institutional data used in AI systems must be safeguarded.

Why this matters: As universities grapple with AI’s rapid integration into academic and administrative functions, Virginia Tech’s framework provides a model for balancing innovation with responsibility.

• The approach addresses growing concerns about AI’s impact on academic integrity, data privacy, and equitable access to educational resources.
• By establishing clear governance structures, the framework aims to prevent ad hoc AI adoption that could create inconsistencies or ethical problems across different departments.

What they’re saying: University leadership emphasized the collaborative nature of the framework’s development and its alignment with institutional values.

• “As a land-grant research university, Virginia Tech is committed to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), and that commitment should extend to our use of AI,” said Pike.
• “The input from and perspectives of our campus community are critically important to developing a framework that enables and supports responsible use of AI,” said Raymond.
• Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke noted that “our continued investment in AI research, infrastructure, and education will be crucial to enhancing Virginia Tech’s ability to employ this transformative technology to the benefit of those we serve.”

Implementation details: The framework includes practical resources and ongoing support structures for campus-wide adoption.

• An accompanying “Artificial Intelligence at Virginia Tech” website provides detailed guidance for responsible AI adoption across all university functions.
• Several working group members will continue analyzing the framework and developing actionable implementation strategies.
• The approach encompasses Virginia Tech’s entire land-grant mission, including teaching, research, operations, and outreach functions.