At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), we're taking a thoughtful, strategic approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) across our institution. Our dedicated AI team, in collaboration with Information Technology Services (ITS), works closely with teams across the university, ensuring that AI systems enhance the human experience in education.
Our vision: leveraging AI tools to support learning
At SNHU, we're focused on leveraging AI tools to support learning, improve productivity and prepare our community for the future while maintaining strong ethical standards and responsible implementation practices. Through careful platform selection, comprehensive training and clear guidelines, we're creating an environment where AI systems serve as a powerful tool for innovation in higher education.
How we're using AI
Ethical AI Integration in Higher Education
At SNHU, we’re taking a thoughtful and methodical approach to AI adoption, ensuring that it aligns with our mission and values. Our "test-learn-invest" framework allows us to introduce AI systems in ways that enhance both the employee and student experience.
- AI Literacy for Faculty, Staff, and Students: We provide clear guidelines, resources, and ongoing training to ensure responsible AI tool use. Asynchronous faculty and staff training launched in November, with student training set to go live in the first half of 2025.
- Commitment to Equity and Bias Mitigation: Through initiatives like our Latimer partnership and ongoing AI policy development, we are addressing biases in AI systems and ensuring equitable access to AI tools for all learners.
- Industry-Leading AI Guidelines: SNHU has implemented flexible, scalable AI policies, including an AI decision-making framework and a commitment to privacy and security in AI-driven processes.
We want to keep pace with new trends and opportunities in an ever-changing landscape—while making sure we remain thoughtful and strategic in our approach. Our goal is to provide the best possible academic experience and prepare students with the AI and technology skills they’ll need for their careers.
AI-Enhanced Learning and Curriculum Design
We’re exploring opportunities to leverage technology to benefit our learners and educators. For example, we are:
- Developing a learner insights dashboard that provides real-time analytics to support personalized learning, track engagement, and identify areas where students may need additional support.
- Integrating generative AI tools to assist with brainstorming course objectives, auditing content for accessibility and workforce relevance, and refining competency statements. These initiatives complement faculty expertise rather than replace it.
- Partnering with Latimer to empower learners of all backgrounds to use an ethical AI that represents diverse experiences.
Streamlining Workflows and Enhancing Efficiency
We believe in a test-learn-invest approach to technology and innovation. We've done extensive research and built what we believe to be a best-in-class student experience. Students interact with technology seamlessly in their everyday lives, and they expect the same from their university.
- AI-Powered Productivity Tools: We are testing a variety of productivity tools to help faculty and staff with meeting summarization, data analysis, and coding support. This allows teams to process large datasets more efficiently and focus on strategic decision-making.
- Building AI System Comfort: We prioritize not only effective and ethical AI tool use but also raising comfort levels across the institution. Through hands-on training and exposure to AI tools, we’re ensuring our faculty, staff, and students feel confident in using AI systems responsibly.
- Optimizing Administrative Processes: AI systems are being used to automate routine tasks, freeing up time for faculty and staff to focus on high-impact student engagement and academic innovation.
AI Strategy and Integration Team
Robert A. MacAuslan, Ph.D.
Robert A. MacAuslan, Ph.D., is the vice president of artificial intelligence at SNHU, where he leads all aspects of strategic planning and integration of AI across the institution. Since taking this role at SNHU in 2023, he has focused on innovative and ethical AI applications by collaborating with faculty and industry partners to create transformative learning experiences, building institutional competence in generative AI, and maximizing operational efficiencies. Robert holds bachelor degrees in psychology and Mandarin Chinese, a master’s in economic development, and a Ph.D. in Sociology. He is also the founder of signal processing and machine learning startups and a former associate professor and chairman of sociology where he taught courses on the societal implications of technological adoption with a focus on artificial intelligence.
Shawn Powers, Ed.D.
Shawn Powers (she/her), Ed.D, serves as the senior director of AI policy at SNHU. Her work in academic policy extends back to her nearly 10-year role as an associate dean at the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education at SNHU. As senior director, Shawn oversees the guidelines and policies of effective and ethical AI use throughout the university. Her vantage point is enhanced by her extended work in philosophy and ethics in education as both a teacher and researcher.
Shawn has presented widely on the issues of ethical AI including the AIxHEART conference where she presented her paper, “Prompting a Dialectic of Freedom in AI.” Shawn is a 2025 EDSAFE Women in AI Fellow.
David Humphreys, MFA
David Humphreys is a forward-thinking academic leader and AI strategist with more than a decade of experience at the intersection of education, technology and media. As director of artificial intelligence integration at SNHU, he leads university-wide initiatives to thoughtfully embed AI into curriculum, operations and strategy. With a background in visual media arts, communication and journalism, David has taught a wide range of courses in communication and media production, developed experiential studio learning models and designed AI literacy programs that support both faculty and students. A frequent presenter at international conferences, his work explores ethical AI adoption, design thinking in higher education and the evolving role of digital pedagogy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is SNHU ensuring AI tools are being used ethically?
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has clear guidelines and policies in place, emphasizing transparency, equity and security in AI use. We are actively working to mitigate AI bias and ensure that all students and faculty have access to AI tools that enhance learning without compromising ethical standards.
What AI tools are currently being used at SNHU?
We are piloting several AI tools, including CoPilot for Office 365, ChatGPT Enterprise, and Latimer. We also use AI-driven platforms for curriculum design, student support and administrative efficiency.
How can students and faculty learn more about using AI tools?
Training and upskilling is fundamental to AI tool use and adoption. The Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) AI Team works with various stakeholders around the University to create current and relevant training opportunities for all SNHU Community members.
Learn more about Generative AI: Concept to Innovation.
How does AI technology fit into SNHU’s long-term vision for education?
Effective and ethical AI integration is part of Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) broader commitment to innovation in education. We have a long history of leveraging technology to expand access to education, and AI resources will play a role in enhancing learning, supporting faculty and staff and preparing students for careers in an AI-driven workforce.
Does SNHU have an AI roadmap?
Yes. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is taking a thoughtful, phased approach to AI adoption through a structured AI Roadmap that prioritizes ethical implementation, responsible experimentation and long-term impact. Our roadmap includes:
- Testing & Learning: Piloting AI tools (e.g., CoPilot, ChatGPT Enterprise, Latimer) to assess their effectiveness and identify best practices.
- Building AI Literacy: Providing asynchronous training, workshops, and clear guidelines to help faculty, staff and students use AI effectively and ethically.
- Enhancing Student & Employee Experience: Leveraging AI resources to improve curriculum design, student support services, and administrative efficiency while maintaining a human-centered approach.
- Ensuring Ethical & Equitable AI Use: Establishing governance structures to guide AI adoption, mitigate bias and align with SNHU’s mission of expanding access to education.
- Preparing for the Future: Continuously evolving our AI strategy to keep pace with emerging trends, workforce needs and institutional priorities.
We recognize that AI systems are constantly evolving, and our roadmap is designed to be flexible, allowing us to adapt, iterate and scale AI initiatives responsibly as new opportunities and challenges arise.
SNHU AI Policy
Purpose
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) recognizes and embraces the possibilities artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer to reshape education and transform the lives of our learners. We also recognize the responsibilities that accompany its use. It is critical that the SNHU community remains vigilant and proactive in addressing the ethical, social and technical concerns that arise when using AI tools. The risks include data privacy and security concerns, threats to academic integrity and biases that may perpetuate inequity.
This policy establishes principles in the adoption and use of AI tools in a university-related capacity to safeguard SNHU’s institutional information and technology resources and to uphold the safe, innovative and equitable use of AI tools.
Scope
This policy is Southern New Hampshire University’s comprehensive standards for all artificial intelligence activities and applications. It serves as a supplement to all other university policies in addition to all local, state and federal laws, accreditation standards, and academic policies which must be followed when using AI tools in a university-related capacity. Processes and procedures for using AI tools are outlined in the University AI Guidelines. The guidelines can be accessed through the AI SharePoint site or AI@snhu.edu.
This policy applies to all members of the SNHU community which, for the purposes of this policy, is defined as faculty, adjunct faculty, staff consultants and independent contractors, and students.
Policy Statements
- 3.1 Responsible stewardship of trustworthy AI systems
The SNHU community must proactively engage in responsible stewardship of trustworthy AI systems and tools in pursuit of beneficial outcomes for the SNHU community.- 3.1.1 Members of the SNHU community who have received approval to use an AI tool in a university-related capacity must only use tools they have been authorized to access. These are the tools that have been vetted for their adherence to security and ethical standards, including review of training bias.
- 3.2 The SNHU community must respect the rule of law throughout an AI system lifecycle. This includes state and federal laws, accreditation standards, academic policies, all existing SNHU policies including non-discrimination, privacy and data protection, diversity, fairness, and social justice. This also includes addressing misinformation and disinformation amplified by AI systems.
- 3.2.1 As members of the SNHU community, we value an environment of mutual respect and tolerance. We respect the rights and dignity of all persons and assert that discrimination or harassment in any form, including the AI generation of discriminatory or harassing content, undermines the fundamental principles of the University and will not be tolerated or supported.
- 3.2.2. Nothing in this policy is designed or intended to interfere with, restrain or prevent employee communications regarding wages, hours, or other terms and conditions of employment or any other rights protected by the National Labor Relations Act. With respect to employees in covered positions under SNHU and the Southern New Hampshire University Professional Employees Association Agreement (the “SNHUPEA Agreement”), in any situation where this policy and the SNHUPEA Agreement are at odds, the SNHUPEA Agreement controls.
- 3.3 Transparency and explainability
The SNHU community must commit to transparency and responsible disclosure regarding AI systems. To this end, the SNHU community will provide meaningful information, appropriate to the context of an AI tool’s use. - 3.4 Robustness, security, and safety
SNHU-vetted AI systems must be robust, secure, and safe throughout their entire lifecycle so that, in conditions of normal use, foreseeable use or misuse, or other adverse conditions, they function appropriately and do not pose unreasonable safety and/or security risks.- 3.4.1 Mechanisms must be in place, as appropriate, to ensure that if AI systems risk causing undue harm or exhibit undesired behavior, they can be overridden, repaired, and/or decommissioned safely as needed.
- 3.4.2 Mechanisms must also, where technically feasible, be in place to bolster information security. Contact the Information Security Management Office (ISMO) for more information.
- 3.5 Societal and environmental well-being
SNHU maintains that trustworthy and safe AI systems serve people and the planet. The principles of human dignity, integrity, freedom, privacy, cultural and gender diversity, and fundamental human rights, as well as protection and service to our planet’s ecosystems and biodiversity, must be a priority in our choice and use of AI systems and tools. - 3.6 Accountability
SNHU must be accountable for the proper functioning of AI systems and for the respect of the above principles.- 3.6.1 SNHU must ensure traceability, including in relation to datasets, processes and decisions made during the AI system lifecycle, to enable analysis of the AI system’s outputs and responses to inquiry, appropriate to the context and consistent with the state of the art.
- 3.6.2 SNHU must apply a systematic risk management approach to each phase of the AI system lifecycle on an ongoing basis and adopt responsible business conduct to address risks related to AI systems, including, as appropriate, via co-operation between different suppliers of AI knowledge and AI resources, AI system users and other stakeholders. Risks include those related to harmful bias, human rights including safety, security, and privacy, as well as labor and intellectual property rights. See the University AI Guidelines for more information.
- 3.7 Violations
Violating this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including academic sanctions as outlined in the Student Handbook or immediate termination of employment. If you are concerned that someone has violated this policy, report this behavior to your supervisor/instructor or Human Resource Business Partner.
Definitions
| Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
| AI Tool | An application or software program that leverages AI models and algorithms to perform a specified task. |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | The simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction. |
| Bias | A systematic and repeatable error in a computer system that creates unfair outcomes, such as privileging one arbitrary group of users over others. |
| Fairness | An attribute of an AI system that prioritizes relatively equal treatment of individuals or groups in its decisions and actions in a consistent, accurate manner. Every model must identify the appropriate standard of fairness that best applies, but most often it means the AI system's decisions should not adversely impact, whether directly or disparately, sensitive attributes like race, gender or religion. |
|
Information Technology Services (ITS) - Technology Team |
It is the responsibility of the ITS technology team to procure, implement and continuously manage the security controls and methods required to protect data. |
|
Institutional Information |
Information, in any format, created, collected, recorded, captured, stored, processed, transmitted or otherwise managed by or for the University to conduct SNHU business. |
| Integrity, Academic | A commitment as an academic community to foster an ethical and intellectual environment through upholding the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage. |
|
Policy |
A document that records a high-level principle, course of action, or expectation of behavior. |
| Privacy | Assurance that the confidentiality of, and access to, certain information about an entity is protected. |
| Risk | A measure of the extent to which the University is threatened by potential circumstances or events, and typically a function of (i) the adverse impacts that would arise if the circumstance or event occurs; and (ii) the likelihood of occurrence. |
| SNHU Community | Defined for the purposes of this policy as employees and students. |
| Technology Resource | Any hardware, software, firmware, equipment, internet of things (IoT) devices, applications, information systems, etc. used to access, capture, store, process, utilize, integrate, interface with, transmit or otherwise manage information. |
| Unfair Outcomes | AI outputs that have discriminatory effects on people based on their gender, race, age, health, religion, disability, sexual orientation or other characteristics. |
Procedure
Processes and procedures for using AI tools are outlined in the University AI Guidelines and are subject to change. The guidelines can be accessed via the AI SharePoint site or AI@snhu.edu.
Roles and Responsibility
| Roles | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| SNHU Artificial Intelligence (SNHU AI) | The Senior Director of AI Policy within SNHU AI, under the leadership of the VP of AI and in consultation with the Office of General Counsel and Compliance and Information Technology Services, is responsible for the development and maintenance of the university’s comprehensive policy and guidelines for AI tools and systems to be adopted and used ethically, securely and in alignment with institutional values. Through its commitment to empowering people and learners via AI-driven innovation, SNHU AI endorses that only authorized, vetted AI tools are employed, and that these tools meet rigorous standards for safety, transparency, fairness and accountability. |
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