UCR Joint Senate-Administrative Council on Artificial Intelligence (AI Council)

February 25, 2026

RE: UCR Joint Senate-Administrative Council on Artificial Intelligence (AI Council)

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

We are writing to announce the formation of the UCR joint Senate-Administrative Council on Artificial Intelligence (AI Council). This Council is the central body for guiding the campus’ approach to AI integration with the academic enterprise. Bringing together diverse perspectives from academic and administrative units and technical experts, the Council will develop frameworks for responsible AI adoption, assess risks and opportunities, recommend infrastructure investments, and ensure that UCR’s use of AI aligns with the university’s commitment to academic excellence and ethical innovation. Convened in consultation with the Senate Committee on Committees and the Office of the Provost, the Council’s work is expected to begin in March 2026 with staff support provided by the Academic Senate office.

 

AI Council Charge

The Council is charged with providing real-time guidance and strategic oversight on AI integration with the academic enterprise. While partnership with administration is essential for operations, the Council shall be Senate-led in terms of content, ensuring that the needs and interests of faculty—regarding teaching, learning, and research—drive the selection, implementation, and ethical usage of AI tools.

 

The Council serves as an ongoing body to address:

1. Communication: Maintaining a central, accessible location for up-to-date AI information i.e., policies, tools, etc.).

2. Teaching and Learning: Developing policies for syllabi, student conduct; identifying new and existing pedagogical impacts.

3. Research: Aligning tool availability with research needs (coordinating with RAISE where applicable).

4. Guidance & Policy: Developing flexible guidance, rules, and regulations that can adapt to fast-paced technological changes.

5. Equity & Accessibility: Identify how AI use may impact equity and accessibility across academic affairs.

 

The Council shall

1. Synthesize and Evaluate Reports, Guidance, and Resources:

• Review, compile, synthesize, and centrally maintain AI-related guidance and faculty resources at UCR that currently exist.

• Assess, review, and comment on the report of the UC Academic Senate Workgroup on Artificial Intelligence. 

2. Conduct a Needs Assessment & Advise on Tool Selection:

• Conduct an initial and ongoing assessment of faculty needs to guide procurement.

• Ensure faculty voices are central to decision-making about AI tool procurement for academic use.

3. Provide a Real-Time Guidance Framework:

• Produce "living" guidelines for student AI usage, AI usage in instruction, and syllabus language rather than static policy documents.

• Address student conduct and academic integrity in coordination with Student Affairs.

 

The Council will provide periodic updates and an annual report to the Academic Senate Chair and Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor. The annual report will be included among reports for the Academic Senate Fall Division meeting. 

 

Inaugural Membership

 

• Emiliano De Cristofaro, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering

• Wallace Cleaves, Professor of Teaching, University Writing Program

• Juan Pablo Giraldo, Professor of Botany and Plant Sciences

• Alejandra Dubcovsky, Professor of History

• Ken Baerenklau, Professor of Public Policy and Associate Provost

• Kate Sweeney, Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs

• Ward Beyermann, Professor of Physics and Astronomy (ex officio) - Academy of Distinguished Teaching to ensure pedagogical excellence

• John Franchak, Professor of Psychology (ex officio) -  Senate Committee on Information Technology  

• Mike Kennedy, Deputy Chief Information Officer - ITS Representative

• Richard Edwards, Executive Director for the Center for Teaching & Learning - XCITE Representative

• Barbara Martinez Neda, Research Data Scientist - Library AI Expert / AI Librarian

 

Though not members of the Council, student representatives from GSA and ASUCR may be engaged at specific, high-impact intervals to provide feedback on student-facing policies; and subject matter experts from legal counsel, privacy officers, the Registrar and others may be consulted as needed. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Elizabeth Watkins, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

 

Kenneth Barish, Academic Senate Chair

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