AI in Education
Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, Bard, and DALL-E, and their usage in higher education nationally has been a growing area of concern.
Generative AI tools are a class of algorithms that generate new and unique outputs and have been in the news for their advanced natural language processing capabilities. They can generate human-like text and assist in tasks such as writing, research, creating computer code, and language translation among other tasks. These tools can generate various types of content based on input data and parameters, including text, images, voice, music, computer code, etc.
Although AI tools like ChatGPT offer new possibilities for innovation in teaching and research, they also present possible challenges. As the availability of these tools increases, so does their usage by students to complete assignments, provide answers to tests, generate creative content, etc. While these tools may be used positively related to education, there is a concern that higher education institutions may see a rise in students using these tools to engage in academic misconduct without proper citation or attribution. However, generative AI tools are here to stay and will evolve rapidly in the coming years.
SSU's approach to AI is currently driven by research conducted in Fall 2023 by ATISS, a subcommittee of the SSU Academic Senate, with support from CTET. ATISS surveyed both faculty and students and determined that, overall, both groups wanted SSU to lean into AI, as opposed to hiding from it. Therefore, CTET will continue to offer professional development opportunities around AI to faculty in the 24-25 academic year. As we schedule those events, they will be listed on this page. Below is also a collection of SSU-related resources about AI.
Currently Licensed AI tools
SSU currently has a license for the tools below. Please do not submit SSU data, including student work, to any AI tools not listed below; doing so may violate CSU data privacy policies. If you need a tool that isn't listed here, talk to CTET about your options.
Teaching Resources
Communications to Campus
- Provost Email to All Employees from Tue, Jan 19, 2024 " Sonoma State Approach to Generative AI"
- Provost & VP of Student Affairs Email to All Students from Tue, Jan 22, 2024 "Student Use of Generative AI"
- CIO Email to Faculty about CSU ChatGPT Edu on March 4, 2025 "ChatGPT Edu for Student Success & Equity"
- CIO Email to Staff about CSU ChatGPT Edu on March 4, 2025 "ChatGPT Edu for Student Success & Equity"
- CIO Email to Students about CSU ChatGPT Edu on March 12, 2026 "Welcome to ChatGPT at SSU – Your Account Activates Friday!"
Research on AI
Recordings and Resources from Past Events
- Demystifying ChatGPT, by Matthew Paolucci and Kyle Falbo
- AI & Academic Dishonesty, by Matthew Paolucci
- AI & Academic Dishonesty Slide Deck, by Matthew Paolucci
- Teaching Research in the Age of AI, by Kaitlin Springmier & University Librarians
- AI Spring 2024 FLC Teaching Showcase: In Spring 2024, a dozen SSU faculty members participated in a semester-long learning community about AI and higher education. As part of this, they experimented with how AI could change or even enhance teaching within their disciplines. In this showcase event, which was attended by many SSU faculty, they each presented their work and their thoughts on the implications of AI for their field of study.
- AI in Higher Education Workshop: August 16, 2024
- AI Spring 2025 FLC Teaching Showcase: In Spring 2025, seven faculty members participated in a semester-long learning community about AI and higher education. As part of this, they experimented with how AI could change or even enhance teaching within their disciplines. In this showcase event, they each presented their work and their thoughts on the implications of AI for their field of study.