Scaling AI across a System: Lessons from a Large Rollout of ChatGPT at the System Level

Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 8:30AM–9:15AM CT | Meeting Room 103, Level 1
Session Type: Breakout Session
Delivery Format: Presentation/Panel Session
What does it take to implement generative AI tools across one of the largest higher education systems in the country? The California State University (CSU) system is in the midst of the largest deployment of generative AI tools in U.S. higher education. This panel will share lessons learned from the ongoing systemwide deployment of ChatGPT across 23 campuses, supporting more than 460,000 students and over 50,000 faculty and staff. Panelists will share what has worked—and what hasn’t. They will also reflect on the strategy, implementation challenges, faculty and student engagement, policy development, equity considerations, and early impact. Attendees will gain insights into how to lead systemwide innovation, manage change at scale, and apply generative AI tools responsibly in academic and administrative settings. This session is ideal for institutional leaders, technologists, instructional designers, and anyone navigating the opportunities and risks of AI integration in times of rapid technological change in higher education.

Presenters

  • Kendra Ard

    Chief Infrastructure Officer, California State University, Office of the Chancellor

  • Ed Clark

    Chief Information Officer, California State University, Office of the Chancellor

  • Matt Hughes

    Senior Technology Strategist & Network Architect, California State University, Office of the Chancellor

  • Felix Zuniga

    Campus Engagement Partner, California State University, Office of the Chancellor