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Artificial Intelligence

A central resource for AI tools, guidance, training and frequently asked questions at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Center for Academic Technologies

At Cal State Monterey Bay, we are committed to using artificial intelligence in ways that are ethical, responsible and aligned with our academic values. As AI tools such as ChatGPT Edu become part of teaching, learning and daily work, we are guided by the principles of academic integrity, transparency and equity. By embracing these technologies thoughtfully, we support innovation while ensuring every member of our community has the opportunity to learn, work and succeed in meaningful ways.

AI Tools

ChatGPT Edu

OpenAI's ChatGPT Edu agreement is tailored specifically for the California State University system, providing advanced AI capabilities for employees and students. It enables users to build custom GPTs to share within campus workspaces and includes enterprise-grade privacy, data protection and security features such as single sign-on and SCIM integration.

Gemini

Google Gemini is available through your campus email login. This version offers the same features as the free version available to all Google users. However, data entered through the campus version is not used to train Google's AI models.

Adobe Firefly

Adobe Firefly is available to the Cal State Monterey Bay community through the university's Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Firefly provides generative AI features across Adobe's creative applications. With the Adobe Firefly web app, you can create AI-generated images using your own prompts.

Grammarly

Grammarly for Education offers AI-powered writing assistance that supports writing and learning, helping students, faculty and staff become more effective communicators. Currently, the paid version of Grammarly is available only to students enrolled in the College of Business.

Guidance for responsible AI use

Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to the security and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. As we embrace the potential of generative AI, we encourage the following best practices to help maximize its benefits while minimizing potential risks.

Safeguard personal and sensitive information

  • Use caution when interacting with generative AI platforms to avoid unintentionally sharing confidential, personal or sensitive information.

  • Review AI-generated content before sharing or publishing it to ensure it does not contain sensitive or confidential information.

Recognize bias and verify information

  • Keep in mind that generative AI models may reflect biases present in the data they were trained on.

  • Verify AI-generated information by comparing it with trusted and authoritative sources.

Provide clear prompts and context

  • Use clear, specific prompts to help AI tools better understand your request and produce more accurate responses.

  • Remember that AI tools may not fully interpret sarcasm, irony or complex context.

Apply critical thinking

  • Use your own judgment to evaluate AI-generated content, especially when addressing complex, sensitive or controversial topics.

  • AI tools can make mistakes and should not be the sole basis for important decisions.

Stay vigilant about cybersecurity

  • Be aware that AI technologies can be used to create sophisticated phishing attempts and other cybersecurity threats.

  • Carefully evaluate AI-generated messages, emails and links for authenticity, and report suspicious activity to the Information Security Office.

Continue learning

  • Stay informed about university guidance and policies related to generative AI.

  • Take advantage of university training opportunities to better understand AI capabilities, limitations and cybersecurity considerations.

This guide was used with permission from San Diego State University

AI Resources

Explore tools, training and guidance to help you use artificial intelligence effectively, ethically and creatively at Cal State Monterey Bay. Find resources for ChatGPT Edu, campus guidance and practical ways to integrate AI into learning, teaching and daily work.

As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly integrated into higher education, it’s important for faculty to clearly communicate expectations, thoughtfully incorporate AI into learning, and prepare students for ethical and effective use.

Clarify expectations in your syllabus

Use the AI Assessment Scale to evaluate each assignment and determine the appropriate level of AI use. Add the scale directly into your syllabus to ensure transparency and consistency.

Expand your understanding of AI

Stay informed about AI tools, trends, and ethical considerations:

Ensure alignment with CSUMB and CSU policies

Review guidance related to AI use in:

Reimagine assessments in the AI era

Consider how AI can help make learning more inclusive and effective:

  • Ask AI for ideas that align with Universal Design for Learning principles.
  • Use formative assessments to support students’ developing knowledge.
  • Evaluate how students apply learning rather than just recall facts.

Start conversations with your students

Help students engage critically with AI:

  • Discuss topics like digital responsibility, cognitive offload (see study), and ethical AI use.
  • Encourage students to earn SDSU’s AI Microcredential, which introduces best practices and responsible use.

For additional resources or support, contact cat@csumb.edu.

Using AI in Your Classes

  • Read your syllabus carefully; check for AI rules. If unclear, ask your professor
  • Expect variation: some professors may encourage or require AI use, others may prohibit it
  • Apply ethical standards:
    • Ensure originality—use AI as a helper, not a substitute.
    • Cite AI use according to class or institutional policy.
    • Protect privacy—never share sensitive or personal data with AI systems

Responsible AI Practices

  • Before starting: confirm AI use is allowed, and understand the rules
  • During work:
    • Use your own voice and ideas.
    • Verify AI-generated information for accuracy, bias, or harm.
    • Document and cite AI use appropriately.
    • Avoid using confidential or copyrighted material
  • After completion: be able to explain your work without AI and prove source reliability

Effective AI Use Cases

  • Writing: brainstorm ideas, improve clarity, check grammar—while staying the primary author
  • Creativity: generate ideas in design, music, or art; credit original sources
  • Studying: create quizzes, study notes, and review guides; check accuracy
  • Research: simplify complex concepts, but confirm with original sources
  • Data: summarize datasets and visualize results; ensure you can explain them

AI Tools and Resources

Prompts and Communication with AI

  • Use clear, specific, and grammatically correct prompts
  • Provide role, context, task, and format for best results
  • Break down complex tasks into smaller requests
  • Compare poor, better, and effective prompts to improve outcomes
  • Try meta-prompts to guide AI in generating layered responses

AI Concerns and Limitations

  • Accuracy: AI may hallucinate, produce biased, bland, or outdated information
  • Ethics: AI may use copyrighted material without consent; attribution is essential
  • Security: AI may expose private data, have weak safeguards, or be resource-heavy
  • Values: AI lacks accountability and human judgment; use with caution

Skills for the AI Era

  • Tech skills: productivity software, project management tools, spreadsheets, data visualization, online research, multimedia tools, and basic coding
  • AI literacy: understand AI terminology—ML, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, LLMs, multimodal AI
  • Human skills: critical thinking, creativity, cultural understanding, ethics, communication, collaboration, decision-making, and conflict resolution

AI Beyond the Classroom

  • Personal use: organize schedules, plan meals, evaluate purchases, plan events, explore cultural/political issues
  • Academic life: support student organizations, independent projects, study abroad planning
  • Limits: rely on people, not AI, for sensitive issues like health, mental well-being, relationships, or finances

Preparing for AI-Driven Careers

  • Employers expect AI skills: 66% won’t hire without them; 77% give greater responsibilities to AI-skilled candidates
  • Career preparation:
    • Read AI/tech news, pursue certifications.
    • Join internships, research, conferences, and student organizations.
    • Learn networking and interpersonal skills alongside technical skills
  • Job applications: tailor resumes for AI screening, use LinkedIn, practice with mock interview tools
  • Lifelong learning: adapt continuously, pursue advanced training, and maintain human strengths

Essential Principles for Students

  1. Know and follow your school’s rules.
  2. Learn about AI—strengths and weaknesses.
  3. Do the right thing—use ethically, disclose, and cite.
  4. Think beyond your major—adopt multidisciplinary learning.
  5. Commit to lifelong learning—adapt to change.
  6. Prioritize privacy and security.
  7. Cultivate your human abilities—relationships, empathy, creativity.

Learn about artificial intelligence

Whether you're exploring AI for the first time or building your skills, these training opportunities and learning resources can help you use artificial intelligence effectively, ethically and responsibly.

Upcoming Events

Self-Paced Training

You can explore a range of self-paced learning resources through the following platforms:

Students
Faculty
Staff

For access issues and technical support, contact the Technology Help Desk by dialing 831-582-HELP or visiting the IT Help Desk in the Library.

ChatGPT Edu - Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about ChatGPT Edu access, privacy, responsible use, available features and support at Cal State Monterey Bay.

What is ChatGPT Edu?

ChatGPT Edu is an AI-powered chatbot developed by OpenAI and tailored for higher education. It can process natural language, generate responses, summarize content, analyze data, and assist with creative and academic tasks — all within a secure, campus-only workspace. See this SDSU page for a comparison of plans.

Why did the CSU purchase ChatGPT Edu?

The CSU system is committed to closing equity gaps and increasing access to emerging technologies. ChatGPT Edu supports academic achievement, innovation, and workforce readiness across all 23 campuses.

Who is eligible for ChatGPT Edu at CSUMB?

ChatGPT Edu access is available to CSUMB’s stateside students, continuing education students, faculty, staff, and POIs. It does not include alumni, emeritus faculty, auxiliary staff, community partners, foundation employees, and extended education students.

How much does ChatGPT Edu cost me?

There is no cost to you or your department. Licenses are funded by the CSU Chancellor’s Office.

Does the campus monitor what I type in ChatGPT Edu?

No, the admin panel for ChatGPT Edu, does not provide that information.
As with all supported apps that might store data, we are required to respond to legal requests for information, such as litigation or FOIA requests. These are handled through different channels than our regular day-to-day administration of ChatGPT.

How long will access be available?

The CSU has signed an 18-month contract (Feb 2025 – July 2026) with an option to extend the agreement.

When will ChatGPT Edu be available?

Eligible users will receive information about access through their Cal State Monterey Bay email or other official university communication.

How do I access ChatGPT Edu?

Sign in using your university email address and single sign-on credentials. Access instructions may also be available through university technology resources.

How many licenses are available?

Licenses are available across the CSU system for eligible students, faculty and staff.

Can I use ChatGPT Edu on a mobile device?

Yes. ChatGPT Edu can be used through a web browser and supported mobile applications.

Will I continue to have access after graduation or employment ends?

Access is limited to active eligible students, faculty and staff. Access generally ends when a university account is deactivated.

Can I use ChatGPT Edu to complete assignments?

AI may be used to support brainstorming, summarizing, drafting or learning when permitted by the instructor. Students should always follow course policies and assignment instructions.

Using AI to complete work that must be completed independently may violate academic integrity policies.

Is there an environmental impact from using AI?

AI systems use energy and water through data center operations. Users can help reduce unnecessary use by writing clear prompts, limiting repeated requests and using AI only when it adds meaningful value.

How should I use ChatGPT Edu ethically?

Use AI as a support tool, not a substitute for your own thinking.

  • Cite AI-generated content when required
  • Follow course and university policies
  • Maintain academic integrity
  • Review generated information for accuracy
  • Protect confidential and personal information

Is my information protected when I use ChatGPT Edu?

ChatGPT Edu includes enhanced security and privacy features, such as:

  • Single sign-on
  • Domain verification
  • Encryption for stored and transmitted data
  • Administrative controls
  • Enterprise-level security protections

Is my information used to train OpenAI models?

Under the CSU agreement, user data is not used to train OpenAI models.

Does Cal State Monterey Bay track my conversations?

Individual conversations are not routinely monitored. The university may receive aggregated usage data to understand general adoption and service use.

What information should I avoid entering?

Do not enter confidential, restricted or sensitive information, including:

  • Student education records
  • Medical or health information
  • Personnel information
  • Financial information
  • Passwords or security credentials
  • Protected research data
  • Information covered by university confidentiality requirements

What features are included in ChatGPT Edu?

Available features may include:

  • Access to current ChatGPT models
  • Web browsing and current information search
  • Document summarization and analysis
  • File uploads
  • Data analysis tools
  • Custom GPT creation
  • Campus workspace and administrative controls

Features may change as the service is updated.

Can I create and share custom GPTs?

Yes. Eligible users may create custom GPTs for courses, departments or workflows and share them within the Cal State Monterey Bay workspace when appropriate.

Can faculty use ChatGPT Edu for teaching?

Faculty may use ChatGPT Edu to:

  • Develop discussion questions or learning activities
  • Draft prompts, examples or outlines
  • Summarize readings
  • Support accessibility and multilingual content
  • Explore responsible uses of AI in teaching

Faculty should review all AI-generated material before using it in a course.

Can I access the OpenAI API through this plan?

API access is separate from ChatGPT Edu. Additional costs, approval or technical requirements may apply.

What should I do if I didn’t get an invite or can’t log in?

Contact the CSUMB IT Help Desk for help with access issues or troubleshooting.

Is ChatGPT Edu accessible to students with disabilities?

Yes. The platform supports screen readers and other assistive technologies. For more support, contact the Student Disability and Access Center.

Where can I learn to use ChatGPT?

You can explore a range of self-paced learning resources through the following platforms:

Students 

Faculty

Staff