CSU Shares AI Learnings in Systemwide Study
In a systemwide study of more than 94,000 professors, personnel, and trainees, California State University just recently recorded extensive AI use throughout its 22 schools. Ninety-five percent of respondents said they have actually used at least one generative AI tool, with more than half of trainees, six in 10 professors, and nearly two-thirds of staff reporting routine use of the innovation. For its report, “Ahead of the Curve: What the Nation’s Largest Public University System is Learning More About AI,” the institution surveyed roughly 80,000 trainees, 6,000-plus faculty, and 7,300-plus personnel about their experiences with and attitudes towards artificial intelligence, calling the research study the largest and most extensive survey on generative AI in college.
CSU introduced a systemwide AI method in February 2025, that included a large rollout of ChatGPT Edu, an AI Commons functioning as a hub of free AI tools, training programs, accreditations, and CSU-developed solutions for all students, faculty, and personnel, assistance for AI innovation, AI labor force training, and more. The study represents lessons learned from the initiative.
“We introduced the largest AI effort in college last year to ensure that this remarkable technology equitably broadens chance for CSU students, bolsters professors and staff quality, strengthens the California workforce, and is executed in a way that shows the CSU’s core values,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García, in a declaration. “Information must inform and direct our decision-making moving on, and this survey– offered its size– sets not just a CSU standard, however a nationwide one. And it marks an exciting minute for the CSU, one that demonstrates our commitment to student success by boldly and thoughtfully leading through development.”
Key findings include:
- The common study participant uses 3 AI tools. ChatGPT is the most used across the university system, cited by 87% of faculty, 89% of staff, and 84% of students. About 30% of trainees and faculty and almost 40% of personnel use ChatGPT day-to-day or more.
- Most of faculty, staff, and trainees utilize AI both at work or school and in their personal lives.
- 80% of students stated they are not comfortable submitting AI-generated work as their own.
- 55% of professors said they use AI to help develop course products.
- 69% of faculty supply trainees with particular assistance on how to utilize AI efficiently and responsibly, and more than two-thirds include a specific AI statement in their syllabi.
- 97% of professors, 94% of personnel, and 88% of trainees agreed that it’s needed to confirm the accuracy of AI-generated content.
- 78% of professors, 82% of personnel, and 69% of trainees think AI will become an essential career skill.
- 7 in 10 professors, more than eight in 10 staff, and about half of trainees revealed interest in official AI training.
The findings recommend “the question is no longer whether AI belongs in higher education, however how organizations ought to lead its usage attentively, regularly and at scale,” the university stated.
“The study results show what we are seeing across our universities– widespread engagement with AI tools and technologies,” commented CSU CIO Ed Clark. “As artificial intelligence ends up being increasingly embedded into every scholastic field and every market, it is necessary for us to partner with our faculty, students, companies, industry sector leaders, and state and local government authorities to better prepare our students and our neighborhood for this AI-infused environment.”
“This study records a minute of transition in higher education, where both trainees and professors are actively evaluating how AI fits into mentor and learning,” stated David Goldberg, San Diego State University AI Professors Fellow, associate professor of management details systems, and a lead scientist on the study. “The data provides us a powerful foundation to much better support professors by customizing training to real requirements, bringing more consistency to AI usage in the class, and making sure that its usage strengthens learning outcomes. It also offers a roadmap for organizations nationwide to much better comprehend AI’s function and to implement it thoughtfully, consistently, and properly.”
The full report is available here on the CSU site.
About the Author
Rhea Kelly is editorial director for School Innovation, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [e-mail secured]