UK CATS AI builds momentum with governance, training and campus initiatives
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 24, 2026) — The University of Kentucky continues to build momentum around artificial intelligence (AI), expanding how AI is used in teaching, research, health care and augmenting daily work across campus.
Through the Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI) and existing efforts across campus that are evolving as part of CATS AI, UK is moving from framework to action, aligning governance, training and engagement to support responsible and practical campus-wide adoption of AI.
As a university committed to its enduring 160-year-old promise to advance Kentucky, this work is designed not only to coordinate existing and upcoming efforts across the campus community, but to ensure students and employees are well-equipped with the tools and support to leverage AI effectively in their work.
CATS AI subcommittees support coordination and implementation
CATS AI is supported by cross‑campus subcommittees that bring together faculty, staff and administrators with expertise across areas. These subcommittees help identify needs and expertise and translate strategy into action by providing input and shared understanding as AI tools and practices continue to evolve across the institution.
Together, this structure ensures that AI efforts at UK are coordinated and informed by real-world use and are responsive to the evolving needs of the campus community.
You can view members of the subcommittees at catsai.uky.edu.
Launch of the rebranded AI Literacy and Training (ALT) Hub
Building on this foundation, UK is launching the rebranded AI Literacy and Training (ALT) Hub, formerly known as the AI/ML Hub.
The ALT Hub serves as the university’s central home for AI literacy, training and skill‑building — the front door and “concierge service” for students and employees to explore tools, resources and engagement opportunities, build practical knowledge and connect with others working in AI across disciplines.
As part of CATS AI, the ALT Hub plays a key role in helping the university community develop confidence using AI responsibly and effectively in teaching, research and day-to-day work. It also convenes AI-related efforts across campus, creating new and exciting opportunities for real-world, hands-on engagement opportunities through collaboration and shared learning.
GO Group advances AI governance and guidance
UK is also announcing the transition of the former Advancing Data utilization for Value in Academics for National and Campus-wide Excellence (ADVANCE) Team to the newly rebranded Guidelines for Operations (GO) Group.
The GO Group supports the university’s AI governance efforts by developing guidance and recommendations related to AI adoption and use across campus. As it works to ensure AI adoption grows, it does so with clarity and consistency, as well as a strong emphasis on responsible use.
This evolution reflects the continued maturation of AI governance at UK, moving toward more structured and accessible guidance for the campus community.
CATS AI website provides central access point
To support transparency and access to updates and initiatives related to AI on campus, UK has launched the CATS AI website, catsai.uky.edu.
The site serves as a central location where the community can explore AI initiatives across campus, access ALT Hub training resources, review guidance from the GO Group and learn about upcoming engagement opportunities.
The site also holds examples of AI-related research and innovation underway across the institution, with additional content and resources to be added as efforts continue to expand.
Upcoming training and engagement opportunities
As part of its commitment to AI literacy and engagement, CATS AI is offering a range of upcoming opportunities for faculty, staff and students.
Launch of Microsoft 365 and Copilot foundational trainings with Phygital Labs and the ALT Hub
In partnership with Phygital Labs and Microsoft, the ALT Hub is offering a series of in‑person trainings focused on practical use of Microsoft 365 tools, including Copilot. Sessions include “Microsoft 365 Copilot Across the Ecosystem,” “Explore Microsoft 365: Working Together” and “Explore Microsoft 365 Copilot: Web and Work.”
These hands‑on sessions are designed to help participants collaborate more effectively, work more efficiently and better understand responsible AI use in everyday workflows.
Trainings will be offered twice weekly, with ongoing opportunities to participate. Registration details and schedules are available on the CATS AI website.
March 26 webinar and ongoing opportunities
For those unable to attend in person, the inaugural webinar will be available beginning March 26 as part of the ALT Hub training ecosystem. This virtual option provides an additional opportunity to engage with AI training and learning resources. Workshop topics include “Explore Microsoft 365: Working Together” and “Explore Microsoft 365 Copilot: Web and Work.” Webinar sessions are 9-10 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m, respectively. Register online and visit the website to see more details.
ALT Hub AI Symposium on April 1
The CATS AI ALT Hub will host an AI Literacy and Training Symposium 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, in the Gatton Student Center Ballroom B. Register for the symposium online.
The symposium will bring the campus community together for conversation, learning and exploration around artificial intelligence. The event complements ongoing governance, research and training efforts by providing a broader forum to engage with AI’s role across the university.
Additional details are available on the CATS AI events page.
How to get involved
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to visit the CATS AI website to learn more about registering for trainings and events, expertise around campus, various AI initiatives and to stay informed about ongoing AI governance and engagement efforts.
As these efforts continue to grow, the university is focused not only on adopting artificial intelligence, but on shaping how it is understood and widely applied across populations and disciplines, ensuring these tools strengthen human expertise and experience, expand opportunity and advance the Commonwealth.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.