The LEAD-AI Council leads Widener University's campus-wide effort to develop AI literacy, support ethical and effective AI integration, and foster a community of informed, responsible AI practitioners across all disciplines. The Council also works with university leadership to develop Widener's AI strategy.
The LEAD-AI Council is a cross-disciplinary group of faculty, librarians, and administrators committed to building Widener's capacity for thoughtful, critical, and responsible engagement with artificial intelligence. The Council grew out of Widener's participation in the AAC&U Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum, and continues its work through programming, research, policy development, and community building.
The Council's work centers on three pillars: building baseline AI literacy across the university; supporting the ethical and effective integration of AI into teaching, learning, and administration; and fostering a culture of experimentation, honest reflection, and responsible innovation. AI Week 2026 was the Council's most ambitious public initiative to date.
Office of the Provost and the BRIDGE-AI Network, with co-programming support from the Student Government Association, student organizations, and PHIL-388(H) students.
Faculty, librarians, and administrators from across Widener's schools and departments.
Develop and deploy frameworks, programming, and resources that help faculty, staff, and students understand AI—its capabilities, limitations, and ethical dimensions—regardless of technical background.
Help faculty thoughtfully integrate AI into teaching and research practices in ways that enhance learning, protect academic integrity, and reflect disciplinary values. Offer consultation, workshops, and peer-learning opportunities.
Create campus-wide spaces for honest, cross-disciplinary dialogue about AI—including its risks, costs, and governance challenges. Elevate student voices alongside faculty expertise. AI Week 2026 exemplified this approach.
For questions about the LEAD-AI Council, AI Week programming, or to discuss AI literacy initiatives at Widener, contact Council Chair Tom Wilk at twilk@widener.edu.
