K-State advances responsible AI adoption through new governance, training and review processes

Dear colleagues,

Kansas State University has entered the next phase of its artificial intelligence initiative, transitioning from strategic planning to institutional implementation through the work of the University AI Stewardship Committee.

Established by the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, the committee succeeds the Task Force on Responsible Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence and is charged with implementing the recommendations outlined in the Task Force's April 2026 report. The committee serves as the university's primary body for coordinating the responsible adoption, governance and oversight of artificial intelligence across instruction, research, administration and service.

"Artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities and challenges in the enhancement of teaching, research, student success and operational effectiveness," said James Wiser, dean of K-State Libraries and chair of the AI Stewardship Committee. "Our responsibility is to ensure these technologies are adopted thoughtfully, sustainably, transparently and in ways that align with K-State's mission and values."

Building on the AI Task Force report

The university's AI initiative began with the Task Force on Responsible Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence, a universitywide effort that brought together faculty, staff, students and external partners to develop recommendations for AI governance, instruction, research and operations.

The Task Force identified several priorities, including the creation of an AI Stewardship Committee, the establishment of an approved AI tool registry, the development of AI literacy programs, the implementation of AI governance processes and the creation of a standardized process for reviewing AI-related technologies.

The Task Force emphasized five guiding values for AI adoption at K-State:

• Human accountability
• Transparency
• Sustainable governance
• Equity and access
• Alignment with K-State's land-grant mission

New AI review process now in place

One of the committee's first major accomplishments was the development of an interim AI tool review and approval framework designed to help the university evaluate AI tools, AI-enabled features and enterprise integrations while broader governance policies continue to be developed. The framework was adopted by the committee and subsequently approved for implementation.

The framework establishes a risk-based review process for AI-related requests and introduces a formal AI tool intake process. New requests are evaluated based on factors such as data sensitivity, security, privacy, institutional impact, regulatory requirements and the extent to which AI systems gain access to university data and systems.

The Committee has also launched a new AI Tool Approval Request process that allows faculty and staff to request review of AI tools before institutional adoption.

Supporting responsible innovation

The university's approach emphasizes stewardship rather than restriction. The review process is designed to support innovation while helping ensure appropriate consideration of cybersecurity, privacy, data governance, accessibility, records management and legal requirements.

The committee recently completed its review of Claude for Teams and approved its limited use for non-institutional data inquiries, demonstrating how the new framework can be used to evaluate emerging technologies in a structured and transparent manner.

New subcommittees begin work

The AI Stewardship Committee has established five operational subcommittees to advance implementation efforts:

• Cybersecurity and Risk Management
• Data Governance and Records Management
• Training and AI Literacy
• Research Applications and Compliance
• Administrative and Operational Workflows

Together, these groups will develop recommendations related to data protection, research compliance, AI literacy, operational adoption, records retention, training and institutional governance.

Resources available for campus

Earlier this year, K-State implemented a new syllabus requirement requiring instructors to communicate expectations regarding student use of artificial intelligence in coursework. Training and resources are available to assist faculty in developing course-level guidance appropriate to their disciplines and learning objectives.

The university also continues to expand AI literacy initiatives, website resources and training opportunities for faculty, staff and students as part of the broader implementation effort.

Looking ahead

During the 2026-2027 academic year, the AI Stewardship Committee will focus on developing an institutional AI governance policy, establishing an approved AI tool registry, advancing data governance standards, expanding AI literacy efforts and implementing additional recommendations from the Task Force report.

Faculty, staff and students can learn more about the university's AI initiative through the AI Stewardship website and forthcoming communications from the committee.

Go 'Cats!

James Wiser
K-State Libraries dean