Monthly Meeting - Virtual

November 29, 2026

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST

*Stay tuned for registration details!

AI State Governance Processes in Academia and the Role of the Artificial Intelligence Risk Officer

Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education through personalized learning, research, administrative automation, cybersecurity, and institutional decision-making. However, rapid adoption also introduces significant risks involving privacy, data governance, algorithmic bias, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, accessibility, financial accountability, and public trust. Public colleges and universities must therefore align institutional AI initiatives with evolving state requirements while supporting responsible innovation.

This presentation examines how state-level AI governance expectations can be translated into a practical governance process for academic institutions. It explores the roles of executive leadership, information technology, cybersecurity, data governance, legal counsel, procurement, academic affairs, and institutional compliance in evaluating and overseeing AI systems throughout their lifecycle. Particular attention is given to risk classification, solution-intake reviews, vendor due diligence, data protection, human oversight, continuous monitoring, and executive risk acceptance.

The presentation also defines the emerging role of the Artificial Intelligence Risk Officer. This officer serves as an enterprise coordinator who connects innovation with governance, ensuring that AI risks are identified, documented, communicated, and addressed before technologies are deployed. The role does not exist to prevent innovation; it provides the structure necessary for institutions to innovate responsibly, securely, ethically, and in alignment with their educational mission.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how academia can establish an effective AI governance model, assign decision-making authority, manage institutional and third-party AI risks, and develop accountable processes that protect students, employees, institutional information, and public trust.

Presenter

Chuck Layton, Data Management and AI Risk Officer at San Jacinto College, is a seasoned IT and cybersecurity expert with over 20 years of experience. Previously a CISO at Alvin Community College, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Justice, Chuck specializes in data security, governance, and innovative strategies to enhance organizational data systems.