Four AI SIG were developed to outline recommendations for governance, ethics, operations, and R&D.

AI Governance

The group outlined a framework for responsible adoption of GenAI and provided actional guidance the university should use to ensure safe, ethical, accessible, and strategically aligned implementation of AI across teaching, operations, and research.

• John Kennedy (Chair)
• Emily Boles
• Vernon Huber
• Jason Kosowski
• Lindsey Kurfman
• Debra McNeese
• Jill Menezes
• Nicholas Waterbury

AI Research & Development

The UIS AI Research & Development (R&D) Special Interest Group (SIG) has outlined a clear set of findings and recommendations positioning UIS to become a regional leader in applied, ethical, and interdisciplinary AI. The report identifies strong faculty interest, growing use of AI in research, and significant gaps in infrastructure, training, and communication that must be addressed for the university to advance its AI strategy.

• Peng Kang (Chair)
• Bellraj Eapen
• Richard Funderburg
• Yifei Li
• Anne Moseley
• Chengchia “Brian” Chen
• Xiang Huang
• Jorge Villegas

AI Operations

The AI Special Interest Group on Operations (AISIGOP) outlines how UIS can strategically adopt AI to streamline business processes, improve efficiency, and build operational readiness. Their preliminary report identifies the need for structured assessments, clear policies, campus-wide change management, and systematic planning.

AI Ethics, Legal & Compliance

The Ethics SIG provides a policy framework that sets the minimum ethical, legal, and procedural standards for AI use across the university. The report focuses on transparency, accountability, equity, bias mitigation, and data protection. It outlines expectations for students, faculty, staff, and administrators and calls for structured implementation, training, and governance.

• Alan D. Freedman, Chair, Assistant Professor, College of Health, Science and Technology
• Jennifer Manthei, Associate Professor, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
• Morrel Old, Clinical Assistant Professor, Library
• Sahar Farshadkhah, Assistant Professor, College of Business and Management

AI and Teaching

This special interest group can explore the impact of AI on education and how it can enhance teaching and learning. They can investigate AI-based adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring, educational data anaThis special interest group can explore the impact of AI on education and how it can enhance teaching and learning. They can investigate AI-based adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring, educational data analytics, and the ethical implications of using AI in educational settings. They can work on integrating AI into the institute's curriculum. They can identify relevant AI courses, develop interdisciplinary programs, and recommend AI-related topics to be included in existing programs across different disciplines.

Members: 

• Layne Morsch - facilitator 
• Sushin Lee 
• Xiaoqing Li 
• Russ Stoup 
• Emily Boles 
• Taylor Lester 
• Stephanie Hedge 
• Matthew Dearing

AI Ethics and Policy

AI raises important ethical and policy considerations. This special interest group can delve into the ethical implications of AI, ensuring responsible and fair AI deployment. They can develop guidelines and policies for UIS regarding data privacy, bias mitigation, algorithmic transparency, and the ethical use of AI. They can also develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with ethical standards and data protection regulations. 

Members: 

• Scott Moomaw - facilitator  
• Jason Kosowski 
• Sarah Collins 
• Kim Hobby 
• Lindsey Kurfman 
• Neetu Singh 
• Michele Gribbins 
• Joan Sestak

AI Community Collaboration

This special interest group can foster partnerships and collaboration between UIS and organizations in the This special interest group can foster partnerships and collaboration between UIS and organizations in the community working in the AI domain. They can organize industry talks, internships, and mentorship programs, facilitating knowledge exchange and potential job opportunities for students interested in AI. They can organize seminars, workshops, and conferences on AI-related topics, invite guest speakers, and initiate AI-related community outreach programs. 

Members: 

• Rob Kerr - facilitator 
• Hei-Chi Chan 
• Josh Smith 
• Elham Buxton 
• Joan Sestak 

AI Student Engagement

This special interest group can focus on engaging and involving students in AI-related activities. They can This group's focus is to engage and involve students in AI-related activities, catering to both developers and users. It offers workshops and provides access to tools to empower all students with the knowledge and skills to explore AI's practical applications. It promotes AI development through hackathons and coding competitions, providing opportunities for AI developers to innovate and showcase their skills. It also creates an interdisciplinary environment where students can explore AI's potential, fostering collaboration among AI enthusiasts. Additionally, we engage students in discussions on AI ethics and policy, ensuring that they comprehend and actively participate in shaping the societal implications of artificial intelligence.

Members: 

• Paul Pinneo - facilitator 
• Kathyy Battee-Freeman 
• Prasad Chinwal 
• Jessica Flynn
• Jessica Baumberger