DeepSeek AI app blocked from NDUS network

03 AprDeepSeek AI app blocked from NDUS network

Following recommendations from the National Security Agency (NSA) - and mimicking new policies put in place by federal, state and local governmental agencies - Core Technology Services has banned Chinese-developed AI application DeepSeek from the NDUS network and devices. NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott announced the action during the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education's (SBHE) March 27 meeting at Dickinson State University.

"I want to thank CTS and several of our campuses who realized that there were a number of students who had started to download DeepSeek on their computers," Hagerott said. "We did block this the day before the NSA came out and said people should out of an abundance of caution."

Similarly, the SBHE directed CTS to block the TikTok application from all 11 NDUS campuses in June 2023. The DeepSeek app over the last few months has increasingly been blocked by U.S. governmental agencies over concerns for the technology's lack of security, as well as data collection and storage practices.

Board Actions

Earlier in the meeting, the SBHE interviewed finalists vying for the president opening at Dickinson State University (DSU). A total of 54 candidates had applied for the position. The SBHE selected Scott Molander, a businessman and was an adjunct professor at Butler University in Indiana. He also is a DSU alumnus.

Molander will assume office July 1, 2025.

Later in the meeting, Chancellor Hagerott and Tammy Dolan, NDUS legislative specialist, gave the Board an update about legislative bills affecting the NDUS. Two bills regarding AI were discussed, including HB1265 which would create a collaborative, virtual research center for agencies and provide grants to conduct transformational and innovative research, including AI, quantum computing, digital literacy and cybersecurity initiatives. Similarly, HB1448 would provide grants for adopting AI and machine learning technologies into business models throughout North Dakota.

Committee Reports

Member Maxwell Eriksrud reported for the North Dakota Student Association (NDSA). The group presented its Student Advocacy Award to NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott for his significant, positive impact to higher education.

Vice Chancellor Lisa Johnson reported for Dr. Lisa Montplaisir on the Council of College Faculties. The group has had further discussion about reduced-credit degrees. Montplaisir also was elected as faculty representative to the SBHE for the next academic year.

For the Staff Senate, Member Michael Linnell said the group is nearing completion on a statewide professional development event template and are leveraging opportunities to help circulate those events.

The Board heard first readings for Policies 308.1 (Officer and Employee Code of Conduct), 308.4 (Conflict of Interest), 902.5 (Construction Process - Architects, Engineers and Construction Managers), 902.11 (Fire and Tornado Coverage), 902.12 (Building Names), 903 (Sale, Removal, or Alteration of Buildings), 905 (Special Assessments), 914 (Easements) and Policy 401.1 (Academic Freedom).

Second readings were heard for Policies 409 (Degrees Offered) and 506 (Immunizations).

No public comments were made.

The next SBHE meeting will be April 30, 2025.