Seton Hall University Establishes Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council

Seton Hall University has established the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council (AIAC) to provide strategic guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence across academic, research and administrative functions. Charged by the Provost and the Chief Information Officer, the council will help ensure that AI initiatives advance the University’s Catholic mission and support the strategic plan Inspiring Great Minds to Greater Purpose. 

"As a Catholic university, Seton Hall is called to engage new technologies carefully, asking not only what we can do but what we ought to do," said Erik Lillquist, J.D., interim provost and executive vice president of Seton Hall. "The Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council will help us ensure that AI supports our core work of educating students, advancing research and serving the wider community." 

The council’s work reflects the University’s commitment to engaging artificial intelligence with both curiosity and care, recognizing the opportunities AI presents and the moral responsibilities that accompany its use. As the technology evolves, the AIAC will help Seton Hall navigate these developments in ways that strengthen its mission and support the academic and personal growth of the University community.

Council Responsibilities 

The AIAC will advise University leadership on the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence. Its work includes: 

• Recommending guidance for the governance of AI in teaching, learning and research 

• Identifying best practices for educational uses of AI that support student learning and faculty scholarship 

• Ensuring AI aligns with Catholic moral teaching and promotes fairness, transparency and accountability 

• Supporting training and resources to build AI literacy across the University  

• Advising on partnerships, opportunities and emerging technologies that support institutional goals 

• Reviewing AI initiatives and offering recommendations for improvement

Council Membership and Leadership 

The council is co‑chaired by Mary Ellen Roberts, D.N.P., R.N., A.P.N.C., chair of the Faculty Senate and Jamie Werbel, J.D., assistant provost for faculty affairs, and includes representatives from the faculty and administration appointed by the Provost and the Chief Information Officer. Together, the members bring a broad range of academic and operational perspectives that will help the University consider AI’s academic, ethical and practical dimensions in a comprehensive and collaborative way.  

"Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education and creating new possibilities for more personalized learning, stronger research support and improved services across the University," said Paul Fisher, chief information officer. "As we explore these tools, it is essential that we do so in a way that reflects our mission and values. That means making sure our use of AI strengthens teaching and learning, promotes fairness and access and upholds the dignity of the people we serve. I am grateful to our co-chairs and members for their willingness to guide this important effort and for their commitment to the University’s mission." 

The AIAC will meet monthly and report recommendations regularly to the Provost and Chief Information Officer. Its work will help ensure that AI technologies serve the University’s educational mission, uphold academic integrity and advance equity and innovation.

Visit the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council website for more information.

Categories: Science and Technology