Board of Regents ‘leaning in’ to AI while planning to regulate its use at South Dakota universities

South Dakota’s Board of Regents announced plans to create regulations for AI use across the state’s public universities in 2026 and 2027, addressing governance, ethical training, and curriculum integration. The goal is to ensure students graduate with AI proficiency while aligning technology use with the university system’s mission. Board President Jeff Partridge emphasized the importance of leading in AI education to prepare students for future careers. A systemwide AI strategy will launch this summer, led by the Board’s IT team and a committee to select unified technology solutions for security, cost-efficiency, and consistency. South Dakota State University already operates an AI center launched this spring, though President Barry Dunn warned that inconsistent AI adoption could create educational disparities. The plan avoids overriding campus-level initiatives, instead aiming to harmonize efforts over time. Infrastructure for AI tools, including data management and security, will be built this summer, with rollouts beginning in the fall. A pilot program will test agentic AI—autonomous systems for tasks like scheduling—to reduce administrative burdens. By October, the Board expects recommendations for systemwide AI rules covering data privacy and ethical guidelines. Faculty training will occur through existing teaching support centers, with AI expected to be integrated into curricula by fall 2027, based on academic council recommendations. While no opposition was raised at the meeting, Partridge acknowledged discomfort among board members about certain AI applications. The plan balances cautious engagement with proactive implementation to ensure responsible adoption.