How Higher Education Leadership Governs Student Data Protection Through Artificial Intelligence Policies While Addressing Ethical Dilemmas

Abstract

This study examines how higher education leadership governs student data protection through institutional artificial intelligence policies while addressing complex ethical dilemmas. Using qualitative document analysis of one university’s AI policy suite and roadmap, the work explains how ethical leadership, cyber‑ethical safeguards, and servant leadership commitments shape expectations for privacy, responsible data use, and student well‑being. The analysis shows that effective leadership integrates ethical leadership, cyber‑ethical safeguards, and servant leadership commitments to ensure privacy, fairness, and student well‑being. Policies prohibit unauthorized data inputs, establish secure computing environments, and address dilemmas involving intellectual integrity and data sovereignty. The findings show that institutional AI policies function as a leadership framework that expresses ethical principles and establishes clear institutional standards for responsible AI use across teaching, learning, research, and governance. This work provides a concise foundation for leaders examining responsible AI governance, student protection, and ethical decision‑making across higher education.