Universities are deploying machine-learning systems across recruitment, timetabling, admissions, assessment and student support, but many institutions lack a comprehensive inventory or governance framework for those systems. The reporting shows AI is shifting from optional tools to an embedded operating system — shaping decisions at every stage of the student lifecycle. Authors and university leaders warn accountability is fragmented between IT, registry and academic committees, leaving unclear lines of responsibility for automated decisions. The piece calls for universities to map AI assets, define oversight roles, and adopt institutional-level governance to manage risks tied to automated decision-making and data collection.