Early AI Governance Trends at Colleges and Universities

Increasingly, higher ed leaders are embracing AI initiatives across campus, experimenting with new tools, and evaluating the potential of emerging technologies. Higher ed leaders recognize the importance of AI governance, but only some have taken the first steps to establish an AI governance structure.

Our EAB research team interviewed over 30 chief information officers (CIOs) and AI leaders to learn about the first steps higher ed leaders are taking to approach AI governance and how newly established AI committees have achieved early wins.

Establish AI governance structure

The ideal structure of an AI governance committee depends on the existing knowledge of AI champions on campus and enthusiasm to deploy AI tools. Several institutions have opted to build AI governance structures separately from existing IT governance, while acknowledging the inherent relationship between the two.

Typically, leaders in higher ed institutions build AI governance committees with cross-functional members to develop guidelines, align AI principles with institutional goals, and steer AI adoption.