Nearly 500K students across California get access to ChatGPT
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The California State University (CSU) system is introducing OpenAI's ChatGPT Edu — a version of ChatGPT customized for educational institutions — to more than 460,000 students and over 63,000 staff and faculty across its 23 campuses.
Why it matters: ChatGPT is already transforming higher ed, giving students more access to professors' expertise and boosting efficiency, but many are still cautious about genAI's long-term effects on learning.
- OpenAI says this is "the largest implementation of ChatGPT by any single organization or company anywhere in the world."
Zoom in: The initiative aims to equip students with key AI skills to help them prepare and succeed in a workforce that's already becoming more AI-literate.
- Faculty in the Cal State system can use ChatGPT to develop curriculum and create interactive course-specific GPTs, while students can use it for personalized tutoring, study guides and research.
- For example, an administrative worker can create a custom GPT that answers student questions related to class enrollment or program information.
- CSUs will also connect students with apprenticeship programs in AI-driven industries.
The big picture: After initial bans of the technology, universities are now expanding AI offerings to integrate AI literacy and help students prepare for an evolving job market
- 71% of leaders say they would rather hire someone less experienced, but with AI skills, than someone more experienced, but without AI skills, according to a 2024 Microsoft study.
What they're saying: "The CSU has long been known for our unwavering commitment to access, equity and innovation. To uphold our mission, we must ensure that our diverse students from across California and staff are AI-empowered to thrive as our world evolves," Dr. Mildred García, chancellor of the California State University, said.
- "The latest AI technologies can be used in many contexts, from academia to the workforce and we are excited to work with industry leaders to help the CSU build on our success in an AI-driven economy," Ed Clark, CSU's chief information officer, said.
The intrigue: The 23 campuses in the Cal State system face proposed budget cuts amounting to the loss of $375 million of state support.
- OpenAI did not reveal the terms of the deal, but the company says that ChatGPT Edu offers similar security and controls as the Enterprise edition, but is "affordable for educational institutions."
What to watch: CSU's adoption of AI could start a wave of wider AI adoption among universities across the U.S.
Go deeper: AI tutors are already changing higher ed
