Artificial intelligence is moving faster than most institutions can govern it. For the 64 campuses within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, that challenge became very real when a new system-wide AI policy required every campus to adopt or update AI guidelines by the end of 2026. While many institutions are just beginning the work, SUNY Westchester Community College was already a year ahead.
On this episode of Higher Ed Pulse, host Mallory Willsea sits down with Ed Tatton, co-chair of SUNY Westchester’s Strategic AI Committee, to discuss what it takes to build meaningful AI governance before a mandate arrives. Drawing from faculty surveys, student feedback, and months of cross-campus collaboration, Ed shares how his institution developed an AI framework rooted in transparency, shared governance, risk management, and practical implementation rather than fear or hype.
Together, they explore why governance should come before policy, how institutions can balance innovation with accountability, and what higher ed leaders should prioritize as AI adoption accelerates. Whether you're developing your first AI guidelines or refining an existing strategy, this conversation offers a roadmap for building guardrails that support both innovation and trust.
SUNY’s Systemwide AI Policy and EOY Deadline
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Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea
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