Appointment of Professor Susan McCahan as Provostial Advisor on Artificial Intelligence (PDAD&C #27)

From: Trevor Young, Vice-President and Provost 
Date: March 8, 2024 
Re: Appointment of Professor Susan McCahan as Provostial Advisor on Artificial Intelligence

With a rich and robust history of leadership in the study and development of artificial intelligence (AI), the University of Toronto is uniquely positioned to harness and shape the transformative potential of this rapidly evolving field for our own institution and the higher education sector more broadly. 

To guide U of T in meeting both the opportunities and challenges of AI, I have appointed Professor Susan McCahan as the Provostial Advisor on Artificial Intelligence for a term that will run until June 30, 2025. One of her first actions in this role will be to convene an AI Task Force to engage members of the University in developing a vision and strategic plan for the University’s AI activities.  

The Task Force will be led by a Steering Committee of individuals with expertise across a range of academic, administrative and technical areas. This committee will coordinate and synthesize the efforts of area-specific working groups, some of which have already begun their work – for example, in research, teaching & learning, and the Libraries. This critical institutional initiative will consider ways that our community can best leverage AI to enhance our research expertise, support student success and engagement in rewarding learning and co-curricular experiences and services and improve operational efficiencies – all within a framework of clear and consistent ethical principles. 

Professor McCahan possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise, both in the subject matter and the workings of the University and its teaching and research mission. For more than a year, she has worked to raise awareness and understanding of the possibilities and challenges of AI within the U of T community while also becoming a trusted voice at sector tables like the Council of Ontario Universities and Universities Canada on this subject.  

A professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, cross-appointed to the Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering Education & Practice, Professor McCahan also serves as the Vice Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education, and the Vice Provost, Academic Programs. She has previously served as Vice Dean, Undergraduate and First Year Chair in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.  

I am certain that Professor McCahan’s dedication to the University’s teaching mission as well as her administrative and academic expertise will serve the University well in this important role. I am grateful to her for her willingness to serve as the Provostial Advisor on Artificial Intelligence.