Kufstein University of Applied Sciences Sets AI Use Guidelines

14.04.2026
General

Prof. (FH) Dr. Claudia van der Vorst, Vice Rector of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, is spearheading the development of practical AI guidelines for academic programs, teaching, research, and administration.

How does a university approach artificial intelligence? The University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol provides a clear answer: with practical AI guidelines developed under the leadership of Vice Rector Prof. (FH) Dr. Claudia van der Vorst, which provide guidance rather than imposing restrictions - for student studies, teaching, research, and administration.

By developing new AI Guidelines, Kufstein University of Applied Sciences is establishing a clear framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in academic studies, teaching, research, and service areas. The project was led by Vice Rector Prof. (FH) Dr. Claudia van der Vorst together with an interdisciplinary team. The project was also supported by the AI Competence Center at the International Business School of FH Kufstein Tirol, headed by Dr. Juliane Sigl.

The starting point was the rapid development in the field of artificial intelligence, as well as the growing need for guidance within the university. The goal of the guidelines is to consciously capitalize on opportunities, transparently address risks, and promote a thoughtful approach to AI. “We have seen that clear guidelines are needed - ones that truly help in day-to-day operations and don’t just exist at the strategic level,” explains van der Vorst.

[...] OUR AIMS ARE TO BUILD SKILLS AND TO PROMOTE A THOUGHTFUL APPROACH TO AI.

Prof. (FH) Dr. Claudia van der Vorst

Vice President

GUIDANCE INSTEAD OF PROHIBITION

FH Kufstein Tirol deliberately takes an open approach to this: AI is not restricted across the board, but is viewed as a tool that should be used responsibly.

“A blanket ban would be neither sensible nor realistic. Our goal is to build expertise and promote a thoughtful approach to AI,” said van der Vorst.

The guidelines combine strategic objectives with concrete recommendations for action and are based on legal frameworks such as the EU AI Act, as well as key principles such as data protection, transparency, and fairness.

AI IN EDUCATION, TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND ADMINISTRATION

The guidelines are specifically designed to apply to all areas of the university:

Academic Studies: AI supports the learning process but does not replace independent effort.
Teaching: Use as a pedagogical tool with clear transparency for students.
Research: Use in accordance with scientific practice and traceability.
Support Services: Increased efficiency with clearly defined responsibilities.

In this way, the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol is establishing a common framework for the use of AI across all organizational units.

FROM STRATEGY PAPER TO PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Particular emphasis was placed on presenting the content in a clear and accessible manner. A concise and practical structure was developed based on numerous existing documents.

The marketing team also played a key role in this process: Working together with Head of Marketing Christine Haage and Content Development Expert Christina Bernhart, the content was structured, condensed, and organized in a way that makes it easy to find on the university’s website and practical for everyday use. “It was important to us to present the guidelines in a way that ensures they can truly be understood and applied,” emphasizes van der Vorst.

DYNAMIC RATHER THAN STATIC

A key feature of the guidelines is their deliberately open nature. They are not intended to be a rigid set of rules, but rather a continuously evolving tool for guidance. “The biggest challenge is speed. What applies today may look very different in just a few months - which is why we need to keep refining them,” says van der Vorst.

A COMMON LEARNING PROCESS

With these AI guidelines, Kufstein University of Applied Sciences is taking an important step toward a thoughtful and forward-looking use of artificial intelligence. At the same time, the project is intended to serve as a starting point for an ongoing development process.

The focus here is not just on rules, but above all on empowerment: students, faculty, and staff should be able to use AI actively, critically, and responsibly. Or, as van der Vorst puts it: “Artificial intelligence is no longer a topic of the future - it is part of our everyday lives. What matters is how we deal with it.”