Task Forces

Task Force on Artificial Intelligence

Northern Illinois University established the Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to investigate the challenges and opportunities related to AI usage across Academic Affairs.

The Task Force on Artificial Intelligence coordinated development of policies and practices while ensuring alignment with the university's mission and values. Members gathered information, analyzed current AI practices and developed recommendations for responsible AI integration in academic contexts.

This task force provided regular updates and submitted an annual report to university leadership after the Spring 2025 semester, highlighting progress, challenges, recommendations and proposed goals for the following year.

Please review the summary report of working group findings (DOCX). Also, please review the NIU AI Literacies Framework.

Goals

During the 2024-2025 academic year, the task force focused on achieving the following:

  • Review the initial recommendations of the AI Action Team from Spring 2024 that identified areas of strength, potential risks and opportunities for growth.
  • Develop a set of ethical guidelines and best practices for AI implementation that align with NIU's mission and values, ensuring responsible and equitable use of AI technologies.
  • Create a framework for evaluating and prioritizing AI initiatives, focusing on those that offer the greatest potential for improving student outcomes, expanding research capabilities and achieving academic efficiencies.
  • Design and implement a pilot program for AI-enhanced academic support services, such as personalized learning assistance or automated administrative processes, to demonstrate practical applications and benefits.
  • Establish a university-wide AI literacy program to educate faculty, staff and students on the fundamentals of AI, its potential impacts and ethical considerations.
  • Collaborate with the Baccalaureate Council, General Education Committee and department curricular committees to establish AI literacy outcomes.

Members

Advisory Committee

  • Laurie Elish-Piper, executive vice president and provost
  • Bob Brinkmann, dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Dave Grewell, dean, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
  • Joan Phillips-Hernandez, dean, College of Business
  • Richard Mocarski, vice president for Research and Innovation Partnerships
  • Sol Jensen, vice president for Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications
  • Jason Rhode, associate vice provost for Teaching, Learning and Digital Education

Working Group 1 - Ethical Guidelines and Evaluation

  • Sarah Garner (co-chair), ethics and compliance officer, Title IX coordinator and records officer
  • Andrea Guzman (co-chair), associate professor, Department of Communications
  • Bob Barton, director of information security, Division of Information Technology
  • Reva Freedman, associate professor, Department of Computer Science
  • David Gunkel, professor and chair, Department of Communication
  • Celeste Latham, associate vice president for Facilities and Resources
  • Sherril Morris, associate dean for Academic Affairs, College of Health and Human Sciences
  • Cody Schmitz, director of Registration and Records

Working Group 2 - Academic Support Services

  • Matt Mattox (co-chair), director, Huskie Academic Success Center
  • Kimberly Shotick (co-chair), assistant professor, University Libraries
  • Amanda Hirsch, assistant director of Teaching Excellence and Support, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning
  • Andy Jeon, assistant professor, Department of Marketing
  • Brandon Lagana, director of Planning and Assessment/student
    success platform (Navigate)
  • Eric Hoffman, Networked Writing and Research coordinator, Department of English
  • Reza Rajabi, assistant professor, Department of Marketing
  • Zac Schoenrock, coordinator, Math Assistance Center

Working Group 3 - Teaching and Learning

  • Andrea Radasanu (co-chair), assistant vice provost for Student Enhancement
  • Stephanie Richter (co-chair), director of Teaching Excellence and Support, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning
  • Ann Dzuranin, professor, Department of Accountancy
  • Alicia Schatteman, vice provost for Academic Affairs
  • Cindy York, associate professor, Department of Educational Technology, Research and Assessment
  • Brian Bender, instructor, Operations Management and Information Systems
  • Jim Slagstad, graduate student and Operating Staff Council
  • Melissa Fickling, associate professor, Counseling, Adult and Higher Education
  • Carrie Zack, associate director, Accreditation, Assessment and Evaluation

Transdisciplinary Task Force

The Transdisciplinary Task Force report and recommendations (PDF) were submitted to the executive vice president and provost by Chairs Simon Weffer and Christine Mooney. A timeline for the implementation of the recommendations (PDF) has also been provided.

Graduate Student Experience

The Graduate Student Experience report (PDF) represents the culmination of work that began at the academic department level and resulted in several recommendations that span departments and colleges. The report contains a timeline for implementation.

Curricular Innovation Task Force

The Curricular Innovation Task Force report (PDF) was submitted by Chair and Dean Bob Brinkmann to the executive vice president and provost. The report contains a timeline for implementation.

Contact

Office of Executive Vice President and Provost
Altgeld Hall 215
815-753-9400
815-753-0701 (fax)
provost@niu.edu