Dr. Babita Gupta represented CSUMB as a panelist at the CSU-wide cybersecurity event, “AI and How it Impacts Privacy and Security of Systems & Students,” held on October 10, 2024, in observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The panel featured prominent CSU Chief Information Security Officers from the Chancellor’s Office, CSU Chico, and CSU LA, along with Dr. Gupta from CSUMB, and was moderated by CSU Long Beach’s Information Security Officer. The panel explored several key issues surrounding AI’s role in education across CSU campuses, covering:

• The benefits of AI in enhancing learning experiences and the associated challenges around data privacy.
• Balancing AI’s capabilities with the imperative for robust student privacy protections across CSU. 
• Establishing clear, transparent data protection guidelines to help CSU faculty and staff responsibly manage student data.
• Best practices for selecting secure AI tools, emphasizing the importance of terms of service, data collection policies, and ethical data use.

The discussion generated thoughtful audience questions on subjects such as ensuring fairness and ethics in AI development, managing high-stakes automated decisions in housing and admissions, and adapting educational policies as AI becomes more integrated into student coursework. The panel’s insights are especially relevant as CSUMB prepares to integrate AI in both teaching and administrative contexts.