More than 2,200 faculty, staff, and students shared their perspectives in an artificial intelligence (AI) needs assessment survey led by the Special Advisor to the Provost on Generative AI. Conducted between July 2 and November 8, the survey results appear in the 2025 Generative AI Needs Assessment Community Shareback and will guide policies, training, and the responsible use of AI across the university. The respondent group included 562 staff, 440 faculty and librarians, and 1,242 students.

The findings show strong interest in AI’s potential for teaching, research, and operations. Respondents also stressed the need to ensure its use stays authentic, fair, secure, and aligned with Queen’s values.

“Our community recognizes both the promise and the responsibility of using AI,” says Eleftherios Soleas, who was appointed to the special advisor role in May 2025. “Survey insights are already helping Queen’s shape an approach to AI integration that is innovative, principled, and inclusive. We will continue to engage the community as we work to ensure AI is used for the greatest benefit while advancing our values.”

Read the full survey results (PDF).
 

A framework for AI integration

To support effective AI oversight at Queen’s, the university has established an AI Nexus under the leadership of the Special Advisor to the Provost. The Nexus brings together diverse perspectives through subcommittees focused on teaching and learning, research, and operations. Its work includes monitoring AI trends, recommending best practices, identifying risks and guardrails, supporting security and compliance assessments, developing architecture and literacy standards, and advancing training, data governance, and community collaboration for responsible use.

“Queen’s is positioning itself to lead in how universities adapt to and shape the use of AI,” says Provost and Vice Principal (Academic) Matthew Evans. “This work is part of a broader effort to ensure our academic mission, values, and priorities guide us as we navigate change and explore new opportunities for innovation.”

Community feedback remains central to this work. Input from the recent survey will help ensure decisions about adoption and use align with institutional goals and reflect both opportunities and risks.

Learn more about artificial intelligence at Queen’s.
 

Generative AI tools at Queen’s

To support secure and responsible use of generative AI, Queen’s has launched LibreChat for faculty, staff, and students. Built at the university and powered by Azure OpenAI, LibreChat keeps data within the Queen’s domain and supports tasks such as brainstorming, ideation, and drafting for academic, research, and administrative work. ITS has created a quickstart guide for LibreChat.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is also approved for similar use and provides integrated support within Microsoft applications while meeting university data protection standards. LibreChat and Copilot are the only generative AI tools approved for handling internal university information.

Community members can review the AI Applications page to see which personal use tools are approved, not recommended, or under review. Queen’s will continue to assess new AI tools and share updates as they are approved.