Artificial Intelligence in the Registrar’s Office

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic everywhere these days. What is it, what are its promises, and what are its current limitations in terms of applicability to the work we do in a registrar’s office. You’ll hear from the Chief AI Officer at George Mason University about the promises and challenges of AI, and from a privacy and information law attorney about some of the considerations we should be making as we pursue any new technology, but AI especially. 

Note to listeners: edit implemented on 3/12/25 to remove a small audio gap

Key Takeaways:

• There are many promises of AI, but there are some significant challenges currently, as well. Don’t be swept away by the promises without engaging with the limitations.
• As registrars we have a special responsibility to make sure that the AI we employ maintains the safety, security, and integrity of the data we steward. The Fair Information Practice Principles (FIPPs) can help guide us to positive data governance outcomes.
• Be wary of shiny new things. If the promise of something is too good to be true, it probably is. Explore AI and imagine ways it might be applied in your office, but AI is not the only tool available to us, and (in my opinion) we might be better served by pursuing intelligent automation solutions than artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. 

Host:

Doug McKennaUniversity Registrar, George Mason University[email protected]

Guests:

Amarda Shehu, PhDChief Artificial Intelligence Officer and Professor, Computer Science, School of Computing, George Mason University

Claire McKennaUniversity of Notre Dame Law School

Claire McKenna is an attorney with 21 years of experience advising public and private sector clients. Her practice focuses on all aspects of information law, including privacy, security, access, and disclosure.

References and Additional Information:

Fair Information Practice Principles (FIPPs) | FPC.gov

Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O'Neil: 9780553418835 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

The Big Switch | Nicholas Carr (Sorry I called you “David,” Nicholas!)

How much electricity does AI consume?