Explore the UT.AI Initiative at UT Austin
UT.AI is the University of Texas at Austin’s campus‑wide artificial intelligence initiative.
Through UT.AI, the University advances the responsible, effective, and scalable use of AI to support teaching and learning, research, and University operations while prioritizing security, accessibility, and responsible use.
Artificial intelligence is a strategic priority at UT Austin. Led by Enterprise Technology in collaboration with campus partners, UT.AI establishes a shared vision, guiding principles, and governance for University‑level AI efforts. The initiative aligns strategy, planning, and investment to ensure emerging technologies are adopted thoughtfully and in alignment with institutional values.
This page provides an overview of the UT.AI strategy, major initiatives, governance, and planning that guide AI efforts across the University. The UT.AI Roadmap provides a shared view of near‑term AI priorities, milestones, and planned investments guiding University‑wide AI efforts.
Advancing Artificial Intelligence Through UT.AI
University AI Strategy
UT Austin’s enterprise approach to artificial intelligence focuses on enabling responsible innovation at scale. Through UT.AI, AI efforts are guided by University values and designed to support the University’s mission across instruction, research, and administrative functions.
Key focus areas include:
- Teaching and learning
- Student experience
- Operational effectiveness
- Research enablement
AI strategy and prioritization are informed by cross‑campus collaboration and ongoing evaluation of emerging technologies.
Major AI Initiatives & Capabilities
UT.AI and Campus Coordination
UT.AI serves as the coordination framework for University‑wide AI efforts. It brings together technology, academic, and policy stakeholders to align strategy, share knowledge, and reduce duplication of effort across campus.
Year of AI
In 2024, UT Austin designated a Year of AI to elevate campus‑wide engagement with artificial intelligence. This effort focused on awareness, experimentation, and dialogue across disciplines and roles, helping establish shared understanding and momentum for University AI efforts.
Enterprise AI Capabilities
As part of UT.AI, the University has established enterprise AI capabilities that provide secure, institutionally approved access to generative AI technologies. These capabilities support experimentation and adoption while protecting institutional data and aligning with University policies.
Details about available tools, eligibility, and usage guidance are maintained on the AI Services & Tools page.
AI Studio
As UT Austin’s AI efforts progressed from strategy and planning to execution, Enterprise Technology established AI Studio as a key outcome of UT.AI.
AI Studio serves as the hub where AI strategy, governance, and priorities are carried forward through applied exploration, experimentation, and campus engagement. It brings together faculty, staff, and technical partners to help translate the University’s AI strategy into practice and support responsible, scalable advancement of AI across disciplines and use cases.
Internal AI Studio Workspace
AI Studio maintains an internal SharePoint workspace for working documents, pilot materials, and collaborative projects. This workspace supports ongoing AI Studio activities and is intended for internal participants.
Responsible and Secure AI
Responsible use of AI is foundational to UT Austin’s approach. The University is committed to fostering innovation while upholding high standards for security, privacy, accessibility, and academic integrity. University‑level AI efforts are guided by established policies and frameworks that promote ethical use, protect confidential and sensitive data, and ensure alignment with institutional values.
University AI efforts align with the following governance frameworks:
Responsible Adoption of AI for Teaching and Learning
Center for Teaching and learning (CTL) provides a library of resources on the use of AI and guidance to develop new curricula, create tailored assignments, and design inventive project-based programs. AI as an intelligent tutor, providing flexible learning options and interactive discovery that cater to diverse learning needs.
Acceptable Use of Generative AI Tools
Established by the Information Security Office and campus partners
Guidance for Using AI
Developed by Enterprise Technology, the Guidance for Using Artificial Intelligence defines principles for safe, secure, fair, and responsible AI use, supporting innovation while protecting privacy, security, and academic integrity.
Eight Core Enabling Mechanisms for AI
UT's AI strategy encompasses fostering innovation, establishing governance frameworks, ensuring strong leadership, operationalizing AI solutions, building robust data infrastructure, offering support and advisory services, and empowering the community to engage with AI responsibly.
Partnerships Across Campus
Executive Sponsors
Cole Camplese
Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer; Enterprise Technology
Campus Partners
FAQ
General
What is the primary goal of offering a suite of AI tools at UT?
The primary goal is to safeguard the University’s intellectual property and protect personal and sensitive data. While the suite includes AI tools familiar to students, faculty, and staff, it differs from public platforms by ensuring secure, University-managed access to institutional data. This approach allows the UT community to benefit from AI innovation without compromising privacy or security.
Why not use publicly available AI tools?
Public AI tools do not offer data or intellectual property protection. In contrast, UT Spark, M365 Copilot, and UT Sage provide a secure environment where users can explore, create, and innovate within protected boundaries.
How does UT address environmental concerns related to AI tools?
UT prioritizes data security while also working to reduce the environmental impact of AI. The University is committed to sustainable practices and will publish environmental impact reports on its website based on the sustainability efforts of its technology partners.
What steps is UT taking to ensure environmentally responsible AI development?
At the University of Texas at Austin, environmentally responsible AI is not an afterthought, it is the principle that shapes how we develop and deploy technology. Through our partnership with Microsoft, Copilot and UT Spark run on renewable-powered cloud infrastructure to reduce environmental impact. We continually refine our services as research points to more efficient approaches, and we work with leaders on campus and beyond to ensure our strategy advances responsibly as the technology evolves.
Data Protection & Environmental Sustainability
How is FERPA compliance handled in our AI tools and services?
FERPA is covered under the Data Protection Addendum established with the UT System for each of our approved AI tools. More information can be found on our website.
Microsoft’s approach to FERPA compliance is detailed here: FERPA
Where can I find the latest environmental sustainability report from Microsoft?
Microsoft’s most recent Environmental Sustainability Report includes comprehensive details on its global initiatives, including Azure’s platform-level sustainability efforts.
What are Microsoft’s sustainability commitments?
Microsoft has pledged to be carbon negative by 2030 and to remove all historical carbon emissions by 2050. Many Azure data centers already run on 100% renewable energy, with ongoing efforts to expand this globally.