It’s been a busy first year for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group of IOA’s Research & Assessment Committee- and we are excited to announce plans for 2025, to engage further with the IOA community.

During 2024, AI Working Group members have included: Julie Muroff (Chair), Brian Green, Dennis G. Jones, Steen Erik Larsen, Lisa PytlikZillig, and Mary Rowe. The initial charge to the group by IOA’s Board of Directors was: “to take the lead on helping members understand how they can effectively use artificial intelligence (AI), including considerations/pitfalls to pay attention to when using AI.” We translated that charge as starting the dialogue and process of collecting information about the IOA community’s interests, concerns, and needs in this dynamic area. More specifically, we explored the potential for AI to complement or supplement ombuds work in ways that (i.) support, not supplant, the role of human organizational ombuds; and that (ii.) mitigate risks to compliance with IOA’s Standards of Practice and Ethics. Notably, our members were not expected to be subject matter experts, or to take positions, or even to make recommendations at this early stage. Indeed, because AI is such a complex and rapidly evolving topic that can impact laws, policies, rules, and practices specific to the particular practice setting of each ombuds, our group has emphasized the need for each ombuds to consult with the relevant contacts in their own organization, and to consider IOA’s Standards of Practice and Ethics, to chart a path that is right for each ombuds, individually.

The initial charge to the group by IOA’s Board of Directors was: “to take the lead on helping members understand how they can effectively use artificial intelligence (AI), including considerations/pitfalls to pay attention to when using AI.”

Consistent with IOA’s charge above, some examples of our 2024 accomplishments include:

Help IOA Track Campus Security Authorities Audits

By Jessica Kuchta-Miller, IOA Government & Policy Committee Co-Chair & Ellen Miller, IOA Executive Director

Calling all Higher-Education Ombuds,

We are writing to see if you are aware of any federal Department of Education audits of your institution or other colleges or universities in which the Department or its consultants are asserting that ombuds should be considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under the Clery Act and regulations.