Fresno State is creating a task force to support a campuswide exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) during the 2023-24 academic year. Specifically, our charge will be to define how we responsibly leverage AI in ways that are ethical, align with existing university policies, and create guidelines for action. Divisions, college, and school leaders are encouraged to have conversations with employees who have expertise in the use of AI and who have demonstrated their ability to share their experiences in a supportive and intentional manner with their peers. Any interested employee or student can submit an application via Qualtrics by Wednesday, Sept. 13.

The task force will include students and employees and will have sub-committees that will explore AI in the context of:

• Teaching and Learning — explore the use of AI in educational settings throughout the university.
• Academic Research or Innovation — explore AI in research, scholarship, creative activities and innovation.
• Security, Classified Data, Legal Implications — explore the impact of AI on security and privacy of employees and stakeholders.
• Workforce Development — explore the role of the university in creating programs to prepare faculty, staff and students for the future of work leveraging AI.
• University and Academic Policies — explore potential impacts to university and academic policies by the integration of AI throughout the organization.
• Work Integrity — explore the use of AI in job tasks at every level of the university.

Task force members are expected to be available for weekly or bi-weekly meetings each month as well as time for committee assignments. Committee co-chairs will need to be available for additional duties. All engaged taskforce members will receive a letter of appreciation for their personnel file and this will count as university service for faculty members.

Other drivers of this process will include:

• Open forums with various stakeholders
• Surveys for initial feedback
• Focus groups with various stakeholders
• Academic Senate Discussions

Key Dates

• Aug. 23 - Request for nomination issued to campus leaders
• Sept. 13 - Nominations due to Provost Xuanning Fu
• Sept. 27 - Announcement of selected individuals
• October 2023 - March 2024 - Exploration of AI
• April 12 - Reported findings

Questions can be emailed directly to AI@mail.fresnostate.edu.