The working group was charged with providing recommendations on how Ithaca College can leverage AI to enhance its operations, services, and student experiences, while ensuring alignment with IC’s values, mission, and vision. The working group also helped identify institutional policies that should be reviewed and workplace enhancement opportunities, and recommended ethical principles for AI use at IC. Their work is specifically not in the areas of AI use in instruction and pedagogy, which remains the purview of faculty.
Presidential Working Group on AI
From July 2024 - May 2025, the Working Group on AI collected input from the campus and developed recommendations for Ithaca College's approach to Artificial Intelligence.
Purpose
“Establishing this working group signifies our commitment to integrating AI into our work and activities in ways that reinforce our educational mission and uphold our core values,” Cornish said. “This is an important step toward developing a responsible, equitable, and forward-thinking approach to AI for the campus.” (September, 2024)
Members
• Priya Sirohi – assistant professor, writing, and director of the Writing Center, H&S
• Luke Keller – professor, physics and astronomy, H&S
• Yvette Sterbenk – associate professor, strategic communication, Park School
• April Mazza – associate vice president, Advancement
• Julian Fuentes – social psychologist and student success coach, Center for Student Success
• Kimberly Lieb – training and development consultant, Employee Relations
• Dave Curry – director, Center for Career Exploration and Development
• Reginald Briggs – senior director, Dining Services
• Omar Stoute – director of Staff Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
• Marsha Dawson – Dean of Students
• Phuong Ha ’25, student, mathematics and computer science, H&S
They were joined by the following Information Technology and Analytics staff serving in supporting roles:
• Executive Sponsor – Dave Weil on behalf of President Cornish
• Chair – Casey Kendall
• Facilitator / Coordinator – Jenna Lamb
• IT&A Consultative Staff – Jenna Linskens, Rob Snyder, Andy Hogan
Deliverables
Ithaca College’s Presidential Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) has developed a strategic framework for the thoughtful and responsible use of AI across the college’s operations and services. Rooted in the college’s mission, values, and goals, the plan focuses on using AI to enhance—not replace—human expertise, improve student success, and strengthen institutional effectiveness.
The strategy emphasizes transparency and inclusion, with clear guiding principles, a governance process for reviewing new AI initiatives, and priorities for AI literacy and workforce readiness. It outlines opportunities to streamline operations, personalize support, improve decision-making, and advance sustainability, while safeguarding privacy, equity, and human connection.
By following this framework, Ithaca College aims to harness AI’s potential in ways that reflect our community’s values, build trust, and prepare students, faculty, and staff to thrive in an AI-integrated future.
Presidential Working Group - Executive Summary -
ithaca-college-presidential-working-group-on-ai-summary (pdf)
Executive Summary of the strategic framework developed by Ithaca College’s Presidential Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Ithaca College Guiding Principles on Artificial Intelligence -
ithaca-college-guiding-principles-on-ai (pdf)
These Guiding Principles for the use of AI at Ithaca College were developed by the Presidential Working Group on AI, informed by best practices, a thorough review of the College’s vision, mission, and values, and feedback from faculty, staff, and student governance groups. These principles guide the implementation and evaluation of AI initiatives.
Presidential Working Group - Full Collection of Deliverables -
presidential-working-group-on-ai-final-document (pdf)
Full collection of deliverables created by Ithaca College’s Presidential Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI).