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AI Steering Committee Charge

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AI Steering Committee (AISC) Charge

As USD advances the strategic objectives identified in Lighting the Way to 2030, the responsible and ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across all aspects of the University—from academics and research to administrative operations and policy, as well as the student experience—is critical.

The Committee's Mandate

Authority and Role: The AISC will serve as USD’s central coordinating body for recommending the strategic direction of AI across the institution. The AISC will serve as the principal advisory body to the provost, responsible for establishing a strategic direction for AI that aligns with the USD mission and our new strategic plan–Lighting the Way to 2030.

Scope: The AISC will develop an institution-wide strategy for AI across (1) Teaching and Learning; (2) Research and Scholarship; (3) Data, Administration, and Operational Excellence; (4) Human Experience and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition; and (5) The Student Experience.

Decision Rights: The AISC recommends university-level policy, programs, and investment options to the Provost and President. Through five key working groups the AISC will engage a wide range of stakeholders, especially the University Senate, the academic deans, and the USD Vice Presidents.

Primary Deliverable: An interim report articulating an Institutional AI Strategy (policy, program, and budget recommendations) delivered to the Provost and President by April 30, 2026.

The Committee’s Charge

In service of the mandate, the AISC is charged to:

  1. Synthesize the institutional record. Review prior USD AI reports and external references.
  2. Inventory USD’s AI assets. People, policies, processes, data systems, tools, pilots, vendors, risks/controls.
  3. Stand up and guide five Working Groups (see below) with focused scopes, monthly outputs, and time-boxed work plans.
  4. Consult broadly. Directly, and through the Working Groups, consult with the University Senate, Academic Assemblies, Academic Deans, USD Vice Presidents, students, staff, and other important stakeholder groups.
  5. Produce the strategy. Develop a concise and coherent strategy that aligns with USD’s mission, values, and strategic plan.

Working Groups (AISC-chartered)

The Steering Committee will task five Working Groups with reviewing best practices and recommending promising policies in their domain. Chairs will be appointed by the AISC, scopes will be fixed, and outputs will be monthly and concise.

  • The Role of AI in Advancing Teaching & Learning at USD
  • The Role of AI in Research & Scholarship at USD
  • The Role of AI in Data, Administration, and Operational Excellence at USD
  • The Role of AI in the Human Experience through USD’s Catholic Intellectual Tradition
  • The Role of AI in Shaping the Student Experience at USD

Meeting Cadence and Reports

  • Cadence. The AISC meets monthly for 90 minutes (via Zoom). Two meetings will be planned before the Winter holiday.
  • Working Group Reporting. One-page monthly updates from each WG to the AISC (issues, decisions needed, progress v. plan).
  • Executive Updates. AISC sends a monthly one-page brief to the President’s Office (roll-up of WG updates + decisions needed).
  • Decision Hygiene. AISC will rely on a simple One-Way/Two-Way Door approach for all proposals; only One-Way Door items will require broader debate.

Commitment

Members commit to:

  1. Monthly AISC meetings (90 minutes),
  2. Strategic guidance to one WG, and
  3. Timely review of draft recommendations.