Evaluating AI Vendors Without Getting “AI-Washed”

During this interactive, one-hour session, national AI expert Dr. Robert Clougherty will lead us as we explore a challenge many organizations face right now:

AI vendors are everywhere—but clarity is not.

This session will help participants build vendor evaluation practices that strengthen organizational resilience instead of fragmenting it. We’ll talk about clarifying the problem before shopping, distinguishing real capability from “AI-washing,” and asking the right questions about data, privacy, IP, security/hosting models, and contract terms (audit rights, exit clauses, accessibility, liability, and more).

We’ll also discuss how to align vendor roadmaps with your organizational strategy—rather than chasing theirs. If procurement is feeling like a sprint in a fog, this session is designed to provide better headlights.

We’ll explore questions such as:

• How do we systematically evaluate, select, and manage AI vendors so they strengthen rather than fragment our organizational resilience?
• What are your “non-negotiables” for data ownership, privacy, logging/audit, and accessibility?
• How do you prevent your organization from becoming a patchwork of disconnected AI tools and contracts?

We hope you’ll join us for a shared, practical discussion on vendor evaluation that you can translate directly into your organization’s processes.

Agenda:

• In the News
  A quick look at AI headlines and what they might mean for higher ed.
• Topic Presentation
  A short, organization-facing frame on the month’s theme (no deep tech dives required).
• Question of the Month
  Guided discussion where you share what’s happening (or not happening yet) at your organization.
• Latest from AFIT
  Updates, resources, and opportunities from the broader AFIT community.

Who's Invited: 

AFIT's AI Community of Practice is a collaborative space where higher education professionals can share, learn, and explore how AI is transforming higher education. (You don't have to have a technical background to participate in this community.)

• AFIT community members can attend for free using the AFIT Community Member ticket. 
• Non-Members: If you aren't an AFIT member, you can access this event by registering for the Guest ticket.