Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how universities teach, research, operate and engage with the world. As these technologies evolve, they present both opportunities and risks across academic disciplines, administrative functions and public life. Cape Breton University’s commitment to inclusive education, ethical research, responsible innovation and community engagement requires a clear and adaptable framework to guide how AI is introduced, used and governed across the Institution. We have developed a strategy entitled AI with Purpose, that establishes that foundation. It sets out core institutional principles, identifies priority actions across key domains and outlines an accountability model to support shared responsibility and continuous learning.
View the full document here: Artificial Intelligence at Cape Breton University – AI With a Purpose.
Our strategy was informed by a consultative process. It began with university-wide sessions with faculty, staff, students and administrators. A small working committee of faculty, staff and administrators was then formed to review feedback received through group sessions, host small meetings with researchers and staff, and examine existing artificial intelligence literature and insights. The working group drafted a document that was further developed by the working group chairs—the Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President Academic & Research. Additional insights were offered by department leaders. Finally, the strategy was reviewed by CBU’s President and senior executive team.
Here, we share with you the foundational assumptions and guiding principles that shape our approach to artificial intelligence.
CBU is located on Unama’ki, one of the seven traditional and unceded districts of the Mi’kmaq Nation. As a university dedicated to truth, reconciliation and meaningful relationships with Mi’kmaw communities, CBU affirms that any institutional engagement with AI must respect Indigenous knowledge systems.
The impacts, applications and perceived value of AI vary widely across the University. Some academic and administrative units are already experimenting with AI in pedagogy, research and service delivery; others are still in early stages of awareness and adoption. These differences reflect CBU’s diversity and must be acknowledged in any institutional response.
Further complicating the landscape, AI technologies remain in a formative and unstable phase. Legal, regulatory and technological standards continue to shift globally, driven by rapidly evolving corporate platforms and contested public debates. In this context, it is neither practical nor appropriate to impose rigid, universal rules. Instead, our strategy offers a principle-based and context-sensitive approach that supports responsible experimentation, protects institutional values and allows for iterative adaptation.
AI with Purpose provides institution-wide direction while acknowledging that complete regulation of every AI scenario is neither feasible nor desirable. Instead, it establishes principles and actions that apply across all faculties, departments, programs and administrative units. It is intended as a living document that reflects current knowledge and practices while remaining responsive to new developments in technology, regulation, pedagogy, research and community needs. It will require regular review and revision to ensure continued alignment with CBU’s academic mission, social responsibilities and strategic priorities.
Our strategy sets out core principles that guide CBU’s institutional stance on AI.
Cape Breton University’s approach to AI is grounded in a set of guiding principles that provide a consistent foundation for decision-making across the Institution. These principles are designed to support thoughtful, ethical and responsible engagement with AI technologies in a rapidly evolving environment. They inform the actions outlined in this document and serve as an interpretive lens for policy development, risk assessment and governance across all institutional activities.
The recognition that people, not machines, remain at the centre of all institutional decisions, processes and relationships.
The ability to make decisions with reason, logic and good judgment.
The obligation of individuals and institutions to act transparently, lawfully and responsibly in the use of AI.
Guided by our core assumptions and principles, we have identified initial actions and we have already begun to implement them across the key university domains of: 1) Teaching & Learning, 2) Research, 3) Operations & Administration, 4) Student Supports, and 5) Community Engagement.
AI with Purpose provides a clear direction for how CBU will meaningfully and responsibly integrate AI across the Institution. Our specific actions will continue to develop over time, and our commitment to thoughtful implementation will remain constant. To support this work, CBU has established an AI Strategy Accountability Committee, which will ensure we uphold the priorities and responsibilities outlined in the strategy as we move forward together.