AI communication in higher education is currently falling short, with 86% of students unaware of their university's AI guidelines (Digital Education Council Global AI Student Survey 2024).

In this Executive Briefing, we will focus on another crucial pillar of the DEC AI Governance Framework: Communication. We will provide an overview of how institutions worldwide currently manage AI-related communication and offer guidelines for developing an effective communication strategy.

Our experts will address topics related to internal communication strategies, such as determining the optimal levels of disclosure regarding AI use, the channels for communicating AI guidelines and receiving feedback, the language used to describe AI models and applications, and other key elements of effective AI communication. Additionally, this briefing will offer guidelines on customising communication across different AI use categories, from open use to prohibited use.

As AI usage evolves, the Council projects a growing need for institutions to reshape the external narrative around the use of AI by both institutions and students. This will be particularly important in addressing concerns related to cheating, falsification, and identity fraud facilitated by AI. It won’t be enough to publish policies - institutions will need to increasingly engage with governments and regulators, employers, parents, and the media to mitigate risks to the social licence.