Despite some community backlash against the proposed plans to integrate AI at Sonoma State University, the CSU has gone forth this week towards establishing the CSU as the first AI-powered university system.
In an email that went out to all students on Wednesday March 12, it was announced that all students would be receiving free access to the latest model of ChatGPT for educational use. In the email, Jake Hornsby, the Associate Vice President for Information Technology & CIO at Sonoma State, informed students that they would be receiving a Sonoma State University ChatGPT account, which was to be activated that Friday.
Hornsby emphasized that the accounts would be given for free, and that privacy and intellectual property would be protected. “It will not share information with public models, and your conversations will remain con- confidential from faculty, supervisors and other students unless you choose to share them,” wrote Hornsby.
The email goes on to elaborate on ways students could use ChatGPT, as well as explaining usage guidelines and plagiarism. It also advertises an online training course for learning how to use ChatGPT effectively.
“The key is using it as a learning aid rather than a shortcut—helping you think critically, write effectively, and expand your understanding of subjects,” wrote Hornsby.
The email confirms the CSU’s plans to move forward with AI integration, following an email from the Board of Trustees in February outlining their plans to make the CSU system the nation’s first AI-powered university system.
While the board is optimistic about the AI initiative, some students’ responses, such as Cinematic Arts and Technology major Wesli Moore, have been more critical. “I think AI in general is not good for critical thinking, since people tend to just rely on it,” said Moore. “I feel like with having it be widespread, it’s going to cause a lot of issues with people actually learning material.”
Moore isn’t alone in this sentiment – students across other majors, such as computer science, are equally worried about AI integration.
“It was surprising to see them embrace these AI tools like this,” says Danny Meza, a Computer Science major. “It’s just that these tools are convenient, and I guess that’s why they’re so popular. But it is certainly strange to see the university just flat out embrace it at the same time that they’re making all these cuts to arts and sports.”
One concern of Meza’s is what impact the integration of AI might have on students’ learn- ing, due to its ability to generate outlines, introductions, and even entire essays with ease.
“It’s easy to use, easy to get your answer, and it will likely be the right answer, more often than not. But, I mean, this is a school, we’re trying to learn how to do things ourselves,” said Meza. With the CSU’s plan now in action, it’s unclear whether the backlash will be acknowledged, but for concerned students, it isn’t quite over yet.
“Since it’s already being implemented, if there could be some kind of college-wide boycott, that’d be nice,” said Moore. “I think that it’s also about spreading more awareness on why AI is bad and isn’t a tool.”
