Governance & Villanova's Approach

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how we learn, teach, research, and work. As these technologies evolve, Villanova is committed to helping our community explore AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively.

This page brings together University guidance, policies, and practical resources to support the thoughtful use of AI across academic and administrative contexts. Whether you’re integrating AI into coursework, streamlining professional tasks, or exploring research applications, these materials are designed to help you make informed, transparent, and values-aligned decisions.

Explore the sections below to find guidance documents, policy statements, training resources, and examples of AI in action at Villanova.

Guidelines Overview

AI Working Group

The Villanova University AI Working Group provides leadership and coordination for the responsible and innovative use of artificial intelligence across the institution. Its work helps guide how AI is explored and integrated in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Through thoughtful governance and collaboration, the group supports Villanova’s commitment to ethical practice, academic excellence, and its Augustinian values while ensuring the University remains a leader in the evolving landscape of AI.

The AI Working Group was made possible under the direction and support of University President, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS.  

Executive Sponsor: Tej Patel, Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

  • Jason Hughes, Chair
    AVP of Enterprise Systems and Data Solutions
    University Technology Services

  • Randy Weinstein, PhD, Co-Chair
    Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning
    Provost Office

  • Leo Nelson
    AVP of Information Security and Chief Information Security Officer
    University Technology Services

  • Stefan Perun, PhD
    Faculty Training Group Lead
    Associate Director for Digital Learning Pedagogy
    Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning

  • Jen Derry
    Staff Training Group Lead
    AVP of Human Resources
    Human Resources

  • Tyra Ford, MBA
    Student Training Group Lead
    Director of Personal and Professional Development
    Personal and Professional Development

  • Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD, ’89 CLAS
    Augustinian Pedagogy and Ethics Group Lead
    Augustinian Representative
    Dean of the College of Professional Studies (CPS)

  • Venkat Margapuri, PhD
    Faculty Representative (Faculty Congress)
    Assistant Professor, Computing Sciences 
    College of Arts & Sciences 

  • Amy Emerson
    Faculty Representative (General)
    Professor of Law
    Assistant Dean for Library and Information Services 
    Charles Widger School of Law

  • Jonathan Graziola 
    Staff Representative (University Staff Council)
    Manager of IT Operations, CLAS IT
    College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

  • Jenn Pholous
    Senior Instructional Technology Consultant 
    University Technology Services

  • Will Marsh 
    Assistant Director, Digital Learning & Experiences
    University Technology Services

  • Jessica Esch, ’27 CLAS
    Student Representative (Undergraduate Student Government)
    Computer Science major

The Committee on the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Augustinian Tradition at Villanova University

Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and Villanova University’s Augustinian intellectual and pedagogical tradition, the Committee on the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence is charged with providing ongoing discernment, guidance, and recommendations regarding the responsible adoption and use of AI across the University. The Committee shall ensure that AI technologies used in research, teaching, assessment, and administration uphold the inherent dignity of the human person, serve the common good, and remain subordinate to human judgment, conscience, and wisdom.

In keeping with Augustinian pedagogy, the Committee will emphasize formation over automation, truth over efficiency, and community over individual gain, promoting practices that foster transparency, academic integrity, and meaningful human responsibility. Particular attention shall be given to the ethical use of AI in research and assessment, ensuring authorship, accountability, and scholarly standards remain human-centered; to accessibility and justice, so that AI does not exacerbate inequity or exclusion; to transparency, requiring appropriate disclosure, explainability, and human oversight; and to sustainability and care for creation, encouraging prudent stewardship of technological, institutional, and environmental resources.

Through reflective inquiry and communal dialogue, the Committee will support Villanova’s mission to integrate innovation with wisdom, aligning AI use with the enduring values of Unitas, Veritas, and Caritas

The committee is chaired by Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD, ’89 CLAS, Dean of the College of Professional Studies (CPS). 

Learn More

Villanova has specific guidelines for the use of AI in education. Instructors have the authority to determine when and how generative AI may be used in graded assignments. Student accountability is essential to the integrity of our academic mission and their understanding of the responsible use of AI in the world.

 

 University‑Wide Guidance

These documents outline the broad expectations around AI use at Villanova. They help clarify what is permitted, what should be restricted, and how we maintain academic integrity and data governance in the AI era.

  • AI Guidelines - Adopted from the AI Task Force Report, these Guidelines establish the expectations and principles for responsible artificial intelligence use across Villanova University. Grounded in our Augustinian values of Veritas (Truth), Unitas (Unity), and Caritas (Compassion), they are designed to foster innovation while protecting the integrity, privacy, and ethical standards that define our community.
  • Guidance on AI Text Generators — A foundational document from the Office of the Provost that discusses AI‑generated text, academic integrity implications, discipline‑specific considerations, and recommended practices for syllabi, assignments, and departmental policies.
  • Getting Started with AI - A resource for secure and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence tools. It details approved AI platforms, proper data handling practices, and clear guidance on what information should never be entered into public or third-party AI systems. The page also links to the broader Technology Services AI Knowledge Base, which includes policies on data classification, licensing, and compliance for faculty, staff, and researchers using AI across the University.
  • Guidelines for Students Regarding Responsible Academic Use of AI— Understanding how to use AI in an academic setting for students
  • Guidelines for Faculty Regarding Responsible Academic Use of AI-Generated Material — Understanding how to use AI in an academic setting for faculty
  • Data Classification Policy — Understanding what data can and cannot be used with AI tools