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AI Steering Group
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we teach, learn, conduct research, and carry out day-to-day operations. To ensure that Mount Royal University continues to navigate this evolving landscape in a way that is responsible, coordinated, and values-driven. Deans’ Council has approved Terms of Reference for the AI Steering Group.
This initiative builds on the work already taking place across our campus. Last year, MRU established the Generative AI in Teaching and Learning Working Group, who are working actively to provide guidance on the use of AI in instructional contexts. Additionally, the ADC has established an active Gen AI Community of Practice and ITS is leading a Community of Practice composed of interested employees piloting Google Gemini. Many of you are already exploring how generative AI can serve MRU’s mission. The AI Steering Group will help provide coordinated guidance to shape a university-wide approach to the opportunities and challenges AI presents.
While Generative AI brings exciting potential to enhance learning, creativity, and efficiency, it also raises complex questions around academic integrity, equity, ethics, privacy and workforce preparedness. We want to proactively set a thoughtful direction that aligns with our values and supports our community.
What will the AI Steering Group do?
The Steering Group will:
- Advise on institutional strategy, governance and priorities related to AI
- Draft a campus-wide framework and principles for the ethical and effective use of AI
- Collaborate with existing groups and units including the Generative AI in Teaching and Learning Working Group, Communities of Practice, and the Office of Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement to ensure comprehensive guidance for campus
A critical first task for the AI Steering Group will be to draft an institutional framework and set of principles for ethical and effective use of AI on campus. The Steering Group expects to engage on a draft framework with key stakeholders and invite input from across campus in the coming fall term. Following approval of the framework, the group will work on developing priority recommendations for AI-related capacity-building, infrastructure and planning.
AI Steering Group Membership
| Name | Position | Title |
| Meagan Bowler | Chair | Dean, University Library |
| Jonathan Withey | One member of Deans’ Council, identified by Deans’ Council | Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology |
| Michelle Hu | Chief Information Officer | Chief Information Officer |
| Mohammad Amin | Director, Institutional Research and Planning | Director, Institutional Research and Planning |
| Bonnie Thompson | Associate Vice-President, Human Resources | Associate Vice-President, Human Resources |
| Alena Boczk | An employee from the Students Division, appointed by the Vice-President, Students | Director, Student Success & Learning Services |
| Michelle Yeo | Co-chair of the Generative Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning Working Group (Gen AI TLWG) from Academic Affairs | Academic Director, Academic Development Centre |
| Nicky Renault | One member of the Gen AI TLWG, appointed by the co-chairs of the Gen AI TLWG | Director, Student Support |
| Tala Abu Hayyaneh | A student, appointed by SAMRU | President, Students Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) |