Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into higher education, offering transformative opportunities but also introducing significant risks that require careful evaluation. This paper presents a comprehensive risk assessment of AI usage in university teaching, aimed at identifying, categorizing, and mitigating potential threats to educational quality, data privacy, and academic integrity. Drawing on established risk management methodologies, we evaluate the risks across three main dimensions: technological, ethical, and pedagogical. Technological risks include issues related to the reliability and transparency of AI systems, data security vulnerabilities, and the potential for biased algorithmic decisions. Ethical risks revolve around concerns regarding surveillance, data misuse, and the loss of human agency in decision-making processes. Pedagogical risks address how AI may affect the teacher-student relationship, limit critical thinking, or exacerbate educational inequalities.

Our work does a scenario analysis and proposes potential strategies for mitigation. Key findings indicate that while AI can enhance efficiency and personalization in learning, it also poses risks that could undermine trust in educational institutions if not properly addressed. Specific mitigation strategies proposed include strengthening data governance policies, fostering AI literacy among educators and students, and adopting transparent AI systems with teacher oversight.

The paper concludes with a set of recommendations for universities to balance the benefits of AI with a proactive approach to managing its risks. By implementing a structured risk assessment process and taking proactive steps to mitigate potential threats, universities can better align AI integration with their educational mission. This approach ensures that technological innovations contribute positively to learning outcomes while safeguarding academic integrity and ethical standards, giving universities a sense of preparedness and control in the face of AI risks.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, education, risk assessment, higher education, ethical AI, Pedagogical impact.