Our AI Commitment
The University of Montana's foundational approach to artificial intelligence, rooted in human learning, creativity, and community flourishing
At the University of Montana, we are not only preparing for the future of AI. We are shaping it.
AI is a powerful extension of human intent and capacity. Our responsibility is to ensure that this technology advances learning, scholarship, and community well-being rather than diminishing them. We are committed to ensuring that AI advances inclusive prosperity, expands access to opportunity, and strengthens both academic freedom and human dignity.
As AI reshapes how people teach, learn, work, and live, UM approaches this transformation with integrity, urgency, and care. We are equipping students, faculty, and staff to act not merely as users of AI, but as ethical and innovative creators who apply it with discernment.
Our strategy is anchored in the enduring commitments of higher education: critical inquiry, intellectual rigor, transparency, and respect for human dignity. Guided by these values, we will demonstrate how a public flagship university can lead the nation in aligning artificial intelligence with the public good. At UM, the promise of AI is clear: when it strengthens human creativity, it strengthens our mission.
Our Commitments
Preserve Human Judgment
Preserve human judgment and authorship in teaching, research, creative work, and decision-making. AI should augment—not replace—the distinctly human dimensions of life and work on campus.
Engage Students as Partners
We engage students as partners in shaping the ethical, creative, and civic possibilities of AI, preparing them for thoughtful leadership in an AI-augmented world.
Uphold Transparency
We uphold transparency and accountability in how AI tools are selected, applied, and evaluated, ensuring clarity in both capabilities and limitations.
Ensure Equitable Access
We ensure equitable access to AI tools, training, and learning opportunities across all disciplines, backgrounds, and stages of life—bridging digital divides rather than reinforcing them.
Support Faculty Development
Support faculty and instructors as they navigate evolving pedagogies, assessment practices, and ethical dilemmas introduced by AI. This includes professional development, peer communities, and flexible policy guidance.
Equip Staff & Administrators
Equip staff and administrators with the resources, training, and policy clarity needed to integrate AI into their work responsibly, efficiently, and in alignment with UM's values and goals.
Invest in Sustainable Infrastructure
Invest in sustainable infrastructure, responsible governance, and inclusive policies that promote innovation while protecting rights, privacy, and intellectual integrity.
Environmental Responsibility
Pursue creative, sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of AI development and deployment, aligning our technological progress with climate responsibility.
Foster Inclusive Dialogue
Foster an open, inclusive campus dialogue that welcomes curiosity, critique, and collaboration from all perspectives—including those skeptical of AI's role in education and society.
Building Our Future Together
This approach draws on the unique strengths of the UM community: a constellation of educators, researchers, technologists, and leaders animated by wisdom, curiosity, courage, and care. Together, we are charting a deliberate, human-centered path forward—one that respects our academic mission while embracing responsible innovation for Montana and the world.
Note: The term "AI" is broad and multifaceted, covering a range of technologies that create new content from learned patterns. Rather than a single tool, it is an umbrella label for diverse applications—such as text, image, music, and code generation—that differ in methods, capabilities, and uses.
Development & Feedback: These commitments were drafted by the FUTURE Project Team and are currently soliciting feedback from the UM campus community during the Fall 2025 semester. The commitments are subject to revision based on community input and evolving best practices in AI governance.
Questions About Our AI Commitment?
Learn more about how these principles guide our AI initiatives and policies.