The University of Wyoming (UW) has established a new commission to develop comprehensive guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across its campus, with an emphasis on both academic research and classroom applications. This group is tasked with producing an initial report later in 2026 that will outline opportunities for research collaborations, partnerships with private industry or government, and ethical frameworks for using AI in teaching and learning. The effort reflects the growing recognition that AI is now a central part of higher education and can’t be ignored.
UW chose Jeff Hamerlinck, Associate Director of the School of Computing, to lead the commission. Hamerlinck has observed the rapid transition of AI from a specialized technical tool to something with mainstream appeal and relevance in many disciplines, and he stressed the importance of addressing both the benefits and potential drawbacks that come with more extensive AI adoption on campus.
The formation of this commission builds on earlier efforts at UW, where instructors and committees have already begun to grapple with AI’s role in education, especially after the emergence of generative tools like ChatGPT. Prior university committees produced resources and preliminary guidance, but the new commission represents the most comprehensive policy initiative yet, signaling a shift toward more structured, institution-wide AI governance.
Beyond classroom use, the commission’s scope includes examining research funding landscapes — particularly emerging opportunities tied to federal initiatives — and how AI tools might be responsibly integrated into scientific inquiry. Its work aims to ensure that UW remains competitive in AI research while maintaining ethical standards in how AI is used for teaching, assessment, and scholarly work.
