Pepperdine University AI Oversight Committee
Overview
The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) present both incredible opportunities and significant challenges for academic institutions. To navigate this evolving landscape responsibly and effectively, ensuring that AI serves a clear purpose and remains human-centered, Pepperdine University has established the AI Oversight Committee.
Mission
This committee is charged with the critical task of overseeing the adoption of AI and establishing and promoting best practices for AI across the entire University community. Our mission is to foster an environment where AI tools and technologies are utilized ethically, equitably, and innovatively to enhance learning, research, and administrative functions while maintaining optimal security and data protection, and upholding the University's values.
Our Charge
The AI Oversight Committee is responsible for:
- Strategic Oversight: Guiding the strategic integration of AI into University operations, academics, and research.
- Policy Development: Developing and recommending policies and guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of AI.
- Best Practices: Establishing and promoting best practices for AI adoption, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.
- Risk Mitigation: Identifying and addressing potential risks associated with AI, including data privacy, bias, and academic integrity.
- Community Engagement: Educating and engaging the Pepperdine community on AI-related topics, fostering a culture of informed and responsible AI use.
Committee Members
The members of the AI Oversight Committee are dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators with expertise in various fields. Their diverse perspectives ensure a comprehensive approach to AI oversight.
Current members of the AI Oversight Committee are as follows:
- Jonathan See, Chief Information Officer (Co-Leader)
- Carla Anderson, Executive Director, Assurance and Advisory Services (Co-Leader)
- Lila McDowell Carlsen, Vice Provost
- Deborah Crown, Dean, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School (PGBS)
- Mark Roosa, Dean of Libraries
- Kristy Collins, Associate Provost of University Financial Aid and Dean of Enrollment Management
- Seta Khajarian, Associate Provost, Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
- Kendra Killpatrick, Assistant Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Professor of Mathematics
- Michael Williams, Senior Associate Dean, Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Information Systems and Technology Management, PGBS
- Fabien Scalzo, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Seaver College
- J. Goosby Smith, Vice President for Community Belonging and Chief Diversity Officer
- Mike Thomas, Vice President for Integrated Marketing Communications
- Sharon Beard, Interim Vice President, Student Affairs
- Angela McHale, Associate General Counsel, Office of General Counsel
- Kyle Stiemsma, Executive Director, Human Resources
- Jon Weber, Senior Director, Office of Emergency Services and Office of Insurance and Risk
- Jackson Grasz, Director of Business Administration
- Tim Bodden, Director, Innovative Development, Information Technology
- Alexandra Ortiz, Director of Advancement Services
- Kellen Escoe, Manager, Office of Insurance and Risk
Get Involved
We encourage all members of the Pepperdine community to stay informed about our initiatives and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about AI at the University. Regular updates and resources will be shared on the Artificial Intelligence at Pepperdine website.
For general inquiries, please contact Jonathan See at jonathan.see@pepperdine.edu or Carla Anderson at carla.anderson@pepperdine.edu.