Uses of AI should support the university's mission of advancing learning, truth, and knowledge-sharing with a diverse and global community. Such uses must be conscious of and responsive to the needs of the many communities it serves. AI applications must support, not replace, human decision-making, learning, and research. The use of AI must align with the university’s values and be designed to help rather than harm, ensuring it does not compromise academic integrity or autonomy. Faculty, staff, and students must use AI responsibly, acknowledging its limitations and potential biases.

AI systems used in university operations, research, and instruction must be transparent and accountable. Systems should be clearly documented with disclosures about their capabilities, limitations, and potential impact. Users must understand when and how AI is being applied, and have the ability to question and review AI-generated outcomes. For decisions with significant impact on individuals (e.g., admissions, hiring, academic standing), meaningful and intentional human review and final approval are required. A clear chain of accountability must be established for all AI applications and processes.

AI technologies should be implemented in ways that promote fairness, accessibility, and inclusion for all. AI systems will be designed to avoid perpetuating bias or discrimination based on protected characteristics. The university will actively assess and audit AI systems for equity. Furthermore, these systems will be built with universal design principles following digital accessibility standards and interoperability in mind, ensuring they are usable by individuals with disabilities and integrate seamlessly with existing institutional technologies.

AI use must comply with data protection laws and institutional policies. AI systems handling personal data must incorporate safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, ensure proper data governance, and maintain individuals’ rights to privacy. All AI tools must be reviewed and continually monitored for compliance with security standards.

The university is committed to fostering AI literacy across the community by providing education and training on AI fundamentals, ethics, and best practices. Given the dynamic nature of AI, the university will establish a governance body to monitor developments, provide guidance, and update policies as needed. This body will ensure AI implementation remains aligned with university goals, is proportional to its intended purpose, and inspires, sets high expectations for, and empowers the community. Colleges and departments will be encouraged to develop their own governance structures to address specific needs within different disciplines.

No. While it started as a research initiative, it now also supports teaching, operations, and community outreach.

Every tool in our directory carries a clear rating with plain-language data rules. Take a look at our AI tools directory.

Yes. Please follow the existing Process for UMN Software Purchases reach out through our Contact page if you have any questions about the process.

Every tool is reviewed by University Information Security (UIS in OIT) which conducts a Vendor Risk Assessment to ensure it accurately protects data according to compliance expectations as well as the Office of the General Counsel, which reviews the contracts to confirm they comply with applicable laws and regulations. More information on the Software Procurement Process is available on the OIT website. No tool goes live without a thorough review.

Yes! The Hub supports the entire University of Minnesota system, across campuses and disciplines.

No. Our job is to help you use AI well, if and when it’s helpful to you. We’re not pushing AI adoption, but guiding the UMN community on using AI effectively and safely.