In a landmark move for the South African higher education sector, the North-West University (NWU) has officially become the first university in the country to adopt a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy.
The policy, recently approved by the NWU Council, establishes a formal framework for the ethical, human-centered, and sustainable use of AI across teaching, research, and administration. The move solidifies NWU’s reputation as a pioneer in digital transformation within the academic landscape.
A Flexible Framework for a Rapidly Changing World
While many institutions have hesitated to draft formal policies due to the breakneck speed of AI development, NWU has opted for a proactive and flexible approach. Prof. Anné Verhoef, Director of the NWU AI Hub, believes that delaying is no longer an option.
“A policy can be crafted in a flexible and broad manner that adapts to the swiftly evolving AI landscape,” explains Prof. Verhoef. “It provides a vital framework for the safe and secure management of AI. Our strategy focuses on embracing AI in a human-centered and responsible way.”
Beyond the Classroom: A Unified Strategy
The new policy moves beyond simple “classroom rules” to create a harmonized strategy for the entire university. By 2025, it became clear that AI management was as crucial for postgraduate supervision and research as it was for undergraduate assessments.
The policy specifically addresses:
- Teaching and Learning: Guidelines for AI-assisted coursework and assessments.
- Research Integrity: Standards for AI use in data analysis and academic publishing.
- Governance: Delineating clear roles for students, lecturers, and management.
The Governance Model: AI as an IT Tool
NWU has clarified its management structure by locating AI governance within the Information Technology (IT) department, recognizing that AI is fundamentally a technical application.
The reporting structure is as follows:
- AI Steering Committee: Comprising representatives from faculty, students, administration, and the library.
- IT Committee: The Steering Committee reports here to ensure technical alignment.
- University Management Committee: The final oversight body for administrative implementation.
Philosophical and Environmental Focus
The development of the policy involved extensive consultation with the University Senate and various faculties. Interestingly, the most significant concerns raised were not technical, but philosophical and ecological.
- Sustainability: The policy uniquely addresses the environmental impact of AI, specifically its high energy and water consumption, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.
- Human-Centricity: A major focus remains on ensuring that AI supports human intellect rather than replacing it.
Setting the National Benchmark
With this approval, NWU has set a clear standard for other South African institutions to follow. By integrating ethical considerations with practical governance, the university is ensuring that its staff and students are prepared for a future where AI is an integral part of the academic journey.
