James Madison University recognizes the need to be proactive and responsible as we navigate the quickly changing landscape of AI innovation and adoption. We do this with a commitment to student-focused and human-centered teaching, learning, work, and research, and to the well-being of our communities. JMU strives to ensure an equitable and secure information technology environment in alignment with our mission to prepare students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.  

The following principles provide a shared framework for guiding decisions, policies, and best practices across JMU. They are intended to be interpreted and put into practice by individuals and units across divisions in ways that are contextually appropriate. This is the foundation from which the university will continue to build its AI strategy. 

• Mission Alignment
  The use of emergent technology will support the educational mission and aligns with institutional values. We will focus on student needs as we implement new technologies.
• Quality
  We are focused on humane and evidenced-informed practices and products.
• Equity
  Our practices will contribute to equity and inclusive practices across the institution. We will consider the fairness of technology systems and products and how they contribute to an inclusive experience.
• Responsibility
  We will practice prudent fiscal stewardship, educate ourselves on the limitations of the technology and mitigate harms and bias as we are able. We will protect JMU data including student, employee, research, intellectual property and all other forms of JMU data and adhere to JMU policies and standards in our use of AI.
• Human-centeredness
  We will consider the usefulness of the technology to human endeavor, labor considerations for implementation, and will center human decision-making, taking an AI-in-the-loop approach. We will consider technology adaptation that enhances and does not replace creativity and learning.
• Integrity
  We pledge to innovate responsibly, upholding ethical standards that respect our community’s trust and security, protect intellectual property rights, and adhere to legal and policy frameworks. 
• Transparency
  We will build a culture of trust, expect transparency in our tools and from our technology partners, prioritize explainable AI solutions and workflows, and disclose how and when AI technology is used in decision-making.
• Privacy and Consent
  When appropriate, we will obtain consent from individuals who interact with AI. We will safeguard the data, privacy, and security of our community by implementing processes and procedures that detail what data is used in AI systems and who can access it.

Adapted from Reengineering Madison Principles and Virginia Tech AI Principles (2025), VT AI Working Group.