AI Ethics
AI Ethical Guidelines
An EDUCAUSE Working Group Paper, June 25, 2025
Introduction
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education is accelerating to support a broad range of functions, from personalized learning and grading assistance to campus operations and research. While AI presents considerable benefits such as enhancing student personalized learning experiences, streamlining administrative tasks, and advancing scientific discoveries, its increasing use also raises significant ethical concerns and challenges. As AI systems grow more sophisticated, it is imperative for institutions of higher education to establish and uphold comprehensive ethical frameworks. These frameworks will be crucial for ensuring the responsible implementation of AI technologies while (1) upholding core academic values of fairness, privacy, transparency, and accountability, and (2) mitigating risks such as bias, privacy violations, and misuse. Thoughtful governance frameworks informed by diverse stakeholder voices are essential to harness AI's potential while safeguarding against harmful consequences. Drawing upon widely endorsed ethical guidelines, this report adopts a pragmatic lens to inform institutional decision-making. This report is designed to provide a structured foundation for critical discourse and actionable strategies concerning the ethical integration and responsible deployment of AI technologies in higher education.