Given the rapid spread of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life, academic environments, university governance, and decision-making, Turība University, in collaboration with partners from Lithuania, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Croatia, and Turkey, has developed guidelines outlining the prerequisites for responsible and ethical integration of AI in higher education.

These guidelines are the first output of the ongoing project. In the upcoming academic year, free educational materials will be developed for lecturers and researchers to promote a better understanding of AI and a more responsible approach to its use in academic settings.

“Integrating artificial intelligence into higher education offers significant potential. However, to fully harness this potential, a strong ethical framework is essential. Issues such as accountability, bias, privacy, and security are not merely compliance matters—they are key prerequisites for meaningful and responsible use of AI in the education sector,” emphasizes Zane Driņķe, Rector of Turība University.

The ethical AI implementation recommendations have been developed within the framework of the international ERASMUS+ project “AI-ERIT.” These guidelines will serve as a practical roadmap for universities and policymakers, offering solutions for the use of AI in alignment with European values and ethical standards, while maintaining academic integrity and trust in educational quality.

Additionally, starting this September, Turība University will launch a new ERASMUS+ project, EHEAII, in cooperation with five universities from Germany, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, and Slovenia. Within this project, practical tools, exercises, and methodologies will be developed to assist lecturers from various fields in integrating and utilizing AI solutions in their teaching.

The guidelines define key principles for the use of AI in higher education, highlighting the need for a careful and responsible approach. Such an approach is crucial to mitigate potential risks that may impact student evaluations, learning outcomes, and the overall quality of education. The importance of human oversight — particularly in decision-making and data processing — is also emphasized, ensuring that AI remains a supportive tool rather than a substitute in critical processes.

It is currently essential to train university staff, lecturers, and students in how to effectively and responsibly work with AI. That is why Turība is actively developing various training and support materials, and this autumn will offer a free training course specifically for lecturers.

The guidelines are already freely available to all higher education institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders interested in implementing AI in a responsible, sustainable, and forward-looking manner.
Visit: www.ai-erit.eu