Earlier this month, Seton Hall announced the new Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council (AIAC) to help students and staff adapt to the rise of AI. The initiative aligns with the university’s strategic plan, Inspiring Great Minds to Greater Purpose, announced in September 2025, which aims to enhance student learning and well-being.
“The Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council was established to ensure that, as AI technologies evolve, Seton Hall University approaches them thoughtfully and ethically, in alignment with our Catholic mission and strategic plan, Inspiring Great Minds to Greater Purpose,” AIAC told The Setonian.
The AIAC is co-chaired by Mary Ellen Roberts, chair of the Faculty Senate, and Jamie Werbel, assistant provost for faculty affairs. It is sponsored by Erik Lillquist, interim provost and executive vice president, and Paul Fisher, chief information officer. The council functions as an advisory body that maintains Seton Hall’s Catholic values when approaching AI.
“By providing guidance to the University community, the Council advances innovation grounded in Catholic moral teaching, respect for human dignity and our institutional values,” AIAC said. “Students will be supported by ethical AI-literacy training, resources, policies and guidelines for the classroom to support their learning and prepare them to be responsible leaders.”
The AIAC works to guide SHU leadership in the areas of AI governance, educational practice, ethical oversight, AI training and strategic advising.
“AIAC supports teaching, learning, research and operational excellence while upholding academic integrity, equity and transparency,” AIAC’s statement continued.
Many students may already notice the work of the AIAC within their syllabi at the beginning of the semester, with new AI clauses varying by professor. The university does not have an official policy regarding AI; it only has recommendations from the AIAC.
On its website, the AIAC provides sample statements for professors to include in their syllabi, ranging from a complete ban to allowing AI with disclosure.
Students may also see AI-integrated assignments, such as tasks requiring students to use ChatGPT and submit their queries and responses. This goes against AIAC guidance, which recommends limiting the use of AI.
The AIAC provides new perspectives on class assignments and ideas on how to reduce the use of Generative-AI, acknowledging that “the use of AI may not be appropriate for use by all disciplines.”
The AIAC adapts as AI technology evolves, and students can stay up-to-date on the most recent developments of AIAC at their website.
Kaitlyn Campeau is a writer for The Setonian’s News section. She can be reached at kaitlyn.campeau@student.shu.edu.
