CATS AI FAQs
What is CATS AI?
CATS AI — the Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy — is the University of Kentucky’s framework for advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education, research, service and care. It connects people, tools and ideas across the university to help Kentucky lead in AI adoption and innovation.
Why is the University of Kentucky launching CATS AI?
Artificial intelligence is transforming every field. UK created CATS AI to coordinate how the university teaches, researches and applies AI so that innovation happens responsibly and efficiently — and so Kentucky’s people and institutions benefit from the technology’s potential.
How does CATS AI fit within the Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network?
CATS AI operates as an initiative of the AKT Network. The university's Board of Trustees charged UK to become the partner institution of choice to advance AI. Through the AKT Network, UK connects with statewide partners in education, health and workforce development to ensure AI advances Kentucky’s shared progress and competitiveness.
What are the main goals of CATS AI?
CATS AI aims to:
- Expand AI literacy and access for students, faculty and staff
- Accelerate research and discovery through advanced computing and collaboration
- Improve patient care and operational efficiency through AI solutions
- Ensure AI is used responsibly, ethically and transparently across the university
How can I get involved?
For the year 2026, students and staff have been selected to participate in one of five CATS AI subcommittees: AI Research, AI Education, AI Health, AI Administration, or AI for Students. These groups will play a crucial role in shaping the integration of AI across our campus. As programming unfolds throughout the year, there will be numerous opportunities to get involved. Stay tuned for more information on how you can contribute to this exciting initiative.
What is the CATS AI Nexus?
The CATS AI Nexus is a central hub that will provide access to approved AI tools, models and learning resources. It will allow faculty, staff, students and clinicians to explore and apply AI responsibly through secure, university-supported platforms.
How will CATS AI affect students?
CATS AI ensures every UK student can learn about and work with AI, regardless of major. AI concepts will be integrated into courses and career development programs, preparing graduates to enter an AI-driven workforce with confidence and ethical awareness.
How does CATS AI ensure AI is used responsibly?
CATS AI integrates risk assessment, data governance and ethical guidelines into every project and tool it supports. The strategy’s focus is on transparency, accountability and keeping people — not just technology — at the center of innovation.
Can I use other Generative AI tools besides Microsoft?
Yes — we are not vendor-limited to Microsoft tools, and we will be working to provide more information on streamlining assessment of new tools based on security and contractual elements.
Microsoft Copilot: Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Use UK‑licensed Microsoft Copilot for work tasks
- Start with Copilot for drafting, summarizing, planning and analysis.
- Keep your work inside UK’s Microsoft 365 environment
- Copilot operates within UK’s protected system to help safeguard your data.
- Work with approved institutional tools and content
- Use Copilot with files in SharePoint, Teams and other UK systems.
- Handle sensitive data only in approved environments
- Copilot is designed to support work with institutional data, including information that may contain PII or PHI, within UK’s secure environment.
- Follow university policies and guidance
- Review UK administrative regulations and unit-level guidance when using AI tools.
- Ask if you’re unsure
- Check with your supervisor, department or unit before using AI in new or unclear ways.
Don't
- Don’t enter UK data into unapproved AI tools
- Unless specifically approved, using other AI tools for institutional data violates university regulations.
- Don’t use public AI tools for sensitive information
- Public tools may not offer the same data protections or guardrails as UK‑licensed Copilot.
- Don’t assume all AI platforms are equally secure
- Only approved tools are designed to meet UK’s data protection standards.
- Don’t bypass established policies or approvals
- Some uses of AI may require additional review or authorization.
Instruction
What is the policy for generative AI in courses?
Instructors have authority to determine policies, within the bounds of senate rules, for the appropriate use of technologies in their courses. Course policies regarding the use of generative AI are best adapted to the local context of the course. See the instructional guidelines for more considerations for course policies on generative AI.
What are the data privacy concerns for generative AI in instructional contexts?
Student education records should not be input into third-party generative AI detection tools or systems unless and until the tools/systems have been vetted for data privacy and other AI governance issues and approved by the university for use. This includes generative AI systems that include detection tools. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) applies to all student education records, which are “records that are directly related to a student and that are maintained by an educational agency or institution or a party acting for or on behalf of the agency or institution.”
Research
Can generative AI be used in research?
The use of generative AI in research will differ by discipline in what is considered appropriate. Check with your disciplinary authorities, organizations, funding agencies, and publications for a more context-specific understanding of how generative AI may be used in research and scholarly activity in your area. See the guidelines for more information about generative AI use in research, including for use in grant proposals, peer review, and publishing.
What privacy concerns arise when using generative AI for research?
Inputting any research data into a generative AI tool renders that data available in the AI tool and its use. Accordingly, data privacy review is needed before any Protected Data (AR 10.7) is entered into a generative AI tool (whether the tool is publicly available or not) to ensure that the tool’s data privacy and security program complies with all applicable laws and university guidelines. See the guidelines for more information about privacy concerns and considerations for using generative AI in human subject/participant research.
Clinical Care
When is it appropriate to use generative AI in clinical care?
Any rollout or integration of a generative AI tool within Epic and other secure UK HealthCare systems such as 3M and Hyland OnBase will be reviewed and approved by the appropriate IT governance authorities in UK HealthCare regarding risk and regulatory compliance. We recommend against using generative AI for clinical care outside of secure UK HealthCare system. See the guidelines for more details on the use of generative AI in clinical care.
What are the areas of concern when considering the use of generative AI in clinical care?
Areas of concern include privacy and security, human agency and accountability, black-box technology, accuracy and falsifications, and bias and equity. See the guidelines for more information about these concerns.