Bridging the AI Governance Gap: Higher Education Leadership Strategies for Aligning Policy Frameworks, Academic Integrity, and Quality Assurance

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AI Governance Is a Leadership Responsibility Higher education is facing an AI governance gap that directly affects academic integrity, quality assurance, and equity. My qualitative multi‑case study reveals how institutions interpret AI use, revise policies, and distribute resources—and where leadership must act. “This study examines how higher education leadership strategies address the AI governance gap by aligning institutional policy frameworks with academic integrity and quality assurance requirements.” The findings show that AI governance is a policy system, not a single document. Leadership must align AI policies with academic integrity, assessment, quality standards, and equitable access to technology. Without that alignment, students and faculty experience fragmented expectations and uneven support. This work provides a roadmap for leaders committed to responsible, equitable, academically rigorous AI integration across their institutions.