AI Roadmap
The AI Roadmap for the University of Arizona
A shared, community-built plan for the responsible, human-centered use of artificial intelligence across research, education, operations and innovation, grounded in our land-grant mission to serve Arizona.
The AI Roadmap sets the University of Arizona's strategic direction for artificial intelligence. Led by the Office of Responsible Artificial Intelligence (ORAI) and Chief AI Officer David Ebert, it translates our mission to accelerate ethical, human-centered AI that expands human capability into concrete goals and actions. It is intentionally a living document: shaped by 247 community volunteers to date and updated every semester based on feedback gathered at our AI Town Halls.
Everything in the Roadmap is grounded in the university's six Responsible AI Principles, ensuring AI enhances, not replaces, human judgment, protects privacy and academic integrity, and serves our communities.
What the AI Roadmap means for you
For Students
Democratizes AI fluency so every student can use AI responsibly and confidently, regardless of major or technical background. It builds AI literacy into your education and gives you safe, university-supported tools to learn with.
- AI fluency built into coursework.
- Stackable credentials and micro-credentials to show what you've learned.
- Access to university-supported AI tools like U of A GenAI in a secure, responsible environment.
- Accessible, no-experience-needed programming such as the AI Insights series.
For Faculty & Researchers
Invests in the infrastructure, expertise and guidance researchers and instructors need to lead in AI-enabled inquiry, while keeping the university's R1 research strength and responsible practices at the center.
- An institutional AI Platform with FERPA/HIPAA-compliant environments for sensitive data.
- AI Consultations, AI Research Support Services and proposal development to strengthen funded research.
- The AI Innovation Pilot program to turn an idea into a working prototype in about eight weeks.
- Professional development and AI Info Sessions to build capacity for teaching with and about AI.
For Staff
Enables campus services to adopt AI that improves administrative efficiency and everyday workflows, paired with clear guidelines and training so you can use it responsibly.
- University-supported generative AI tools and custom chatbot services for operational work.
- Training and learning experiences to build confidence using AI in your role.
- Responsible AI guidelines and compliance protocols so it's clear what's approved and safe.
- Regular engagement forums and AI Insights sessions designed for non-technical audiences.
AI Leadership Collaborative
Our AI cohorts are the people carrying the Roadmap forward across campus. They are faculty and staff leaders who connect ORAI's mission to the distinct expertise, cultures and needs of their colleges, units and disciplines, helping the whole university adopt AI responsibly. There are three cohort programs: Associate Directors of AI in a Domain, AI Fellows and AI Campus Champions.
Learn more about the AI Leadership Collaborative
Help shape the AI Roadmap
The AI Roadmap gets better every semester because our community makes it better. Join an AI Town Hall Listening Session to share your feedback or explore ongoing programming to build your own AI fluency.