Across the University of Washington, faculty and staff are exploring new ways to use artificial intelligence in teaching, research, and administration. We have received many questions from across the UW community about which AI tools to use, how to obtain access to additional tools, and what review or approval processes apply. As a reminder, in spring quarter 2026 Provost Serio appointed the AI Governance Committee to develop recommended frameworks and policies for responsible AI use at UW. While the committee tackles this important work, we want to clarify the resources and processes already in place to help you navigate AI related questions for your units.
Start with UW-supported AI tools. UW-IT provides a growing set of AI services available under University agreements, including Purple, ChatGPT Edu, Microsoft Copilot, Claude and more. These enterprise services offer important protections for University data, are supported within the UW’s technology environment and help the UW better manage institutional costs for these types of tools and services. We strongly encourage you to explore UW-IT’s AI services and resources before considering external tools. As with any technology, be sure that the service you choose is appropriate for the data you intend to use. For those in the UW Medicine community, please see below.
When other tools are needed, follow existing procurement processes. These processes operate within the University’s existing framework of delegated authority, as described in Administrative Order 100 (Presidential Delegations of Authority) and Executive Order 12 (The Deans). Responsibility for decisions remains with the appropriate University officers and units under that framework. We recognize that UW-supported services will not meet every need, particularly in specialized research, educational, or operational settings. If your unit needs to acquire an additional AI product or service, follow the University’s established procurement procedures and applicable requirements for privacy, information security, accessibility, and contracting. The UW has also developed an AI contract rider to help address issues specific to AI products and services. We encourage units to work with Procurement Services to incorporate this rider when procuring AI tools.
Use existing authority and governance structures first. Responsibility for AI-related decisions remains with the appropriate University officers and units under existing delegations of authority and established governance processes. When an AI-related issue has broader institutional, strategic or enterprise technology implications, the Information and Technology Governance (I&TG) structure may provide the appropriate forum for review, coordination and alignment.
Seek consultation only when existing processes do not resolve your question. In rare cases, AI-related questions may involve novel or higher-risk uses, protected or sensitive University data, or issues that fall outside the scope of existing decision-making and governance structures. To help address these questions, the UW has established an AI Tiger Team that can connect you with the appropriate experts and coordinate across units when necessary. If your question cannot be resolved through existing resources and processes, please submit it through the AI Consultation and Review form. The Tiger Team serves in a consultative and coordinating role; it does not supersede the authority or responsibilities of deans, administrative leaders or other University officials under existing policies.
For UW Medicine, follow UW Medicine’s AI Policy and established governance process. Use of AI within UW Medicine is governed by COMP.308 UW Medicine Use of AI. This policy covers use of AI at UW Medicine for clinical care, education, business operations and certain clinical research activities and outlines when internal review by UW Medicine’s centralized AI governance structure is required. Comprehensive FAQs are available on the UW Medicine Innovation Core website. Not all tools that have been made available to the broader UW community can be used within UW Medicine or with UW Medicine data. Questions can be directed to uwminnovationcore@uw.edu and UW Medicine’s intake process can be accessed here: UW Medicine AI Intake.
We ask deans, chancellors, vice presidents and other administrative leaders to share this guidance with faculty and staff in their units, particularly those involved in selecting, purchasing or implementing AI tools. Please help ensure that colleagues know where to find UW-supported services, how to navigate procurement requirements and where to seek additional consultation.
Our goal is to support responsible experimentation and innovation with AI while safeguarding the people, information and resources entrusted to the University. We appreciate your leadership in helping the UW community make informed decisions about these rapidly evolving technologies.
Ana Anderson
Enterprise Initiatives Officer, UW Medicine
Andreas Bohman
Vice President for UW Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Alex Chiu
Executive Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs and Operations, UW School of Medicine
Sarah Frazier
Program Manager, Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance and Risk Services
Margaret Peyton
Chief of Staff, UW Medicine
Noah A. Smith
Vice Provost for Artificial Intelligence
Jane Yung
Vice President and Chief Compliance and Risk Officer, Compliance and Risk Services