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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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 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.