Institutional Governance Tool

AI Project Approval Assessment

Evaluate whether an AI use case is appropriate, and what oversight it requires. Select a pathway to begin.

What the matrix scores

8 areas · 1–3 each
01
Data Sensitivity

Nature of the data the AI will process or be trained on.

02
Human Impact

Effect on individuals, students, staff, or constituents.

03
Decision Authority

Degree to which the AI itself decides.

04
Public Visibility

How visible the AI-assisted output is.

05
Accuracy Requirement

Consequence of factual or computational error.

06
Legal / Compliance Risk

Exposure to law, regulation, or policy.

07
Brand / Reputation Risk

Reputational consequence if the project is criticized.

08
Bias / Fairness Risk

Potential for uneven outcomes across groups.

Decision thresholds

Score 8–11
GREEN
Allowed with basic guidance
Score 12–16
YELLOW
Requires supervisor review
Score 17–20
ORANGE
Formal governance review required
Score 21–24
RED
Executive / legal approval required
Score 25+
PROHIBITED
Prohibited or requires redesign