When ChatGPT first launched in 2022, the Office of Innovation and Digital Excellence for Academic Success (IDEAS) at Fresno State knew it was time to figure out ways to leverage the use of AI in higher education.
AI, or artificial intelligence, is the ability of computer systems to problem solve, make decisions and understand language — things that typically require human intelligence. AI has grown quickly to include image and video generation, planning, decision making and vision and motor control for robotics and autonomous vehicles.
It exists in daily activities from voice assistants like Alexa and Siri to the algorithms on streaming platforms and to industries like health care, manufacturing, engineering and agriculture where AI improves efficiency, logistics and more.
“On a basic level, we understand that AI is not going away. Our ability to keep pace, to keep up, to keep informed — it’s going to be critical to support our faculty and students.”
Dr. Bryan Berrett, director of the Office of IDEAS
To prepare for AI, Fresno State’s Office of IDEAS started training faculty in spring 2023, then worked with the California State University Chancellor’s Office on systemwide training with Fresno State instruction designers Jason McGensy and William Hardaway designing programs and leading the charge. Then, the office offered AI for Professionals — training for staff and alumni across the CSU system.
In fall 2023, the Division of Academic Affairs led a campuswide AI Task Force with more than 40 members — including Technology Services, faculty and others — to take a look at what was happening on campus already and to develop university guidelines to govern the ethical use of AI at Fresno State.
“These steps reflect our shared commitment to shaping AI practices that align with our mission and values. Alongside governance, we launched an AI platform that positions us for the future. With it, we now have the ability to create AI agents that support critical processes, drive student success and elevate the student experience,” said Dr. Bao Johri, vice president of Technology Services and chief information officer.
“Because of this collective work, we now stand on solid ground. The foundation is set. The next step in our story is to lean in — moving from building to shaping strategy,” Johri said. “We will focus on embedding AI into our curriculum and operations, ensuring that our students not only benefit from AI but are prepared to lead with it in their futures.”
The task force submitted a final report with recommendations spanning from immediate actions such as developing guidelines and training initiatives to short- and long-term goals such as research and innovation support, job market analysis and strengthened partnerships. The work of the task force led to the creation of the President’s AI Initiative to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance research capabilities and equip students and employees with cutting-edge tools and skills.
This past spring, the university held an AI Immersion Day on campus to allow faculty and staff to explore AI tools and their impact on teaching, learning, research and operations. Demonstrations were held showcasing programs like Google (Gemini) and OpenAI (ChatGPT), and faculty shared real-world classroom applications and innovative teaching practices.
In July, Fresno State launched ChatGPT Edu for students. Other tools include Zoom AI Companion; Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered assistant across Microsoft 365 tools; and Google Gemini pilot, an AI-powered assistant that serves as a research partner, business coach and creative assistant integrated into Google’s workspace. Coming soon are Grammarly AI and AI for Accessibility.
In the CSU’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence Educational Innovations Challenge, three faculty projects from Fresno State out of 63 projects systemwide were selected for their potential to enable transformative teaching methods, foster groundbreaking research and address key concerns about AI adoption within the academic environment.
The awardees include:
Dr. Maria Yukhymenko, assistant professor of research and statistics
Project: “Artificial Intelligence for Responsible, Ethical and Faculty-Informed Next-Gen Education (AI-REFINE): An AI Course Redesign Institute at Fresno State”
Summary: The project will provide 30 faculty with skills to integrate AI Tools, especially ChatGPT, into lower-division general education courses this year. The project effectiveness will be evaluated using mixed methods, including feedback from faculty and students. The goals focus on sustainable AI integration, faculty
development and improved student outcomes.
Dr. Mo Fallah, assistant professor of finance
Project: “Development of Pedagogical Toolkits for AI-Enhanced Financial Decision Making”
Summary: This project will transform the “Intermediate Financial Management” course (FIN 121), a required course for undergraduate business majors, by incorporating state-of-the-art Generative AI tools to enhance students’ critical thinking skills and knowledge required for AI-driven workplaces.
Hanayo Oya, assistant professor of media, communications and journalism
Project: “MCJ Innovation Lab: Ethical AI Integration in Storytelling and Critical Thinking in Media Communication and Journalism Education”
Summary: The project will engage students in critically analyzing AI-assisted and generated content in media production and reflecting on ethical implications in journalism, advertising and multimedia storytelling.
