Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work, learn, and live. At St. Thomas, we recognize both the opportunities and challenges AI brings -- ranging from innovation and progress to ethical concerns, job disruptions, and cybersecurity risks.
Our goal is to navigate this new era responsibly, guided by our Catholic intellectual tradition and social teachings. We aim to foster AI literacy across campus, integrate thoughtful AI applications, and uphold our commitment to academic excellence and ethical principles.
To achieve this vision, St. Thomas established the Institute for AI for the Common Good -- a multidisciplinary center focused on how AI impacts human life, ethical values, and societal norms.
Led by Dr. Eddy Rojas and supported by a Steering Committee of faculty and staff, along with an external advisory board, the Institute coordinates AI-related activities across the university. Its leaders evaluate ongoing initiatives, oversee research and development projects, and identify new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
By centralizing responsibility within the Institute, St. Thomas ensures its AI efforts are aligned with ethical principles and institutional goals.
The Institute for AI for the Common Good will approach its work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) by creating working groups that will focus on nine areas.
This working group will promote awareness of AI technologies among faculty and staff, keeping them informed of advancements. By showcasing AI initiatives on campus, the group aims to enhance internal collaboration and foster a culture of innovation.
This working group will organize forums, discussion groups, workshops, and other events to bring together diverse perspectives on AI topics (including those of our students), fostering a culture of open dialogue and critical thinking.
This working group will assess technologies (both academic and administrative) to understand the social, economic, and ethical impact of AI tools before St. Thomas considers their adoption, ensuring that AI tools align with our values and ethical standards.
This working group will convene faculty to determine how St. Thomas will responsibly and ethically integrate AI applications within our academic offerings while ensuring our students do not outsource their thinking and are well-prepared for a dynamic and complex future.
This working group will identify and support pilot programs that test AI technologies in real-world settings, identifying the most effective AI applications, refining these technologies based on practical feedback, implementing appropriate guardrails, and ensuring they align with our values. One pilot project already launched is TommieBot.
This working group will organize activities to assist faculty, researchers, and staff in developing proposals for external funding, and forming interdisciplinary research groups to study and address AI-related challenges, all in support of our goal of being a leader in ethical AI development.
This working group will ensure that St. Thomas plays a pivotal role in shaping and influencing the development of ethical and principled AI applications while promoting continuous education and professional growth.
This working group will convene stakeholders to develop comprehensive rules for the ethical and effective implementation of AI technologies including: AI usage, data privacy, and ethical considerations.
This working group will offer comprehensive consulting services to organizations on ethical AI implementation and best practices, establishing St. Thomas as a recognized leader in promoting responsible and ethical AI practices.