Support Student Success and Close Opportunity Gaps

• Identifying students who may benefit from additional support before challenges become barriers
• Providing 24/7 tutoring and academic assistance
• Offering personalized career guidance based on student interests and strengths
• Creating more efficient administrative processes that free up human resources for high-touch support

As Ryan Barone, assistant vice president for student success, noted: “The very spirit of our land-grant mission compels us ethically and morally to respond with as much vigor and resources as possible” to eliminate opportunity gaps. AI represents a powerful resource in this ongoing effort.

Preparing Students for an AI-Driven World

The Strategic Roadmap explicitly calls for preparing “learners to lead in a world driven by artificial intelligence” and ensuring “CSU learners will learn to use AI ethically and responsibly.” This preparation includes:

• Integrating AI literacy across the curriculum
• Teaching ethical considerations and responsible AI use
• Providing hands-on experience with AI tools and technologies
• Developing critical thinking skills to evaluate AI outputs and impacts

By equipping students with these skills, CSU fulfills its mission of preparing graduates who can “achieve their career goals, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and become informed citizens of our democracy” in an increasingly AI-influenced society.

AI and CSU’s Research Mission

As an R1 research institution, CSU “ranks among the top research universities in the country” with faculty and students who “engage in purpose-driven research to address some of the world’s most complex challenges.” AI can enhance this research mission in several ways:

Accelerating Discovery and Innovation

AI can help CSU researchers:

• Analyze complex datasets more efficiently
• Identify patterns and connections that might otherwise remain hidden
• Simulate and model complex systems
• Automate routine aspects of research to focus human creativity on interpretation and innovation

These capabilities align with CSU’s strategic initiative to “provide seed funding for focused research excellence around broad interdisciplinary themes.”

Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The 2035 Strategic Roadmap emphasizes the need to “expand interdisciplinarity and collaboration” across the university. AI naturally crosses disciplinary boundaries, creating opportunities for collaboration between:

• Computer scientists and domain experts
• Natural and social scientists
• Technologists and ethicists
• Researchers and community partners

Such collaborations embody CSU’s commitment to addressing complex challenges through diverse perspectives and approaches.

Ethical AI Research and Development

As a land-grant institution committed to benefiting society, CSU has a responsibility to conduct AI research that:

• Considers ethical implications and potential impacts
• Addresses issues of bias and fairness
• Involves diverse stakeholders in development and evaluation
• Prioritizes transparency and explainability

This approach aligns with CSU’s values and its commitment to “research, service, and engagement for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.”

AI and CSU’s Service Mission

Service is a fundamental aspect of CSU’s land-grant identity. The university is dedicated to “teaching, research, service, and extension” and to “strengthening our impact across the state, region, and the world.” AI can enhance this service mission by:

Extending Educational Reach

AI-powered tools can help CSU:

• Deliver high-quality online and hybrid learning  experiences
• Create personalized educational content for lifelong learners
• Support Extension offices in providing resources to rural communities
• Offer specialized training to address workforce needs

These applications support CSU’s strategic initiative to “provide accessible education for rural communities” and “develop new online offerings.”

Supporting Community Engagement

AI can enhance CSU’s community engagement by:

• Analyzing community needs and matching them with university resources
• Facilitating communication between university and community partners
• Providing data-driven insights to inform community-based projects
• Creating accessible interfaces for community members to access university expertise

These capabilities align with CSU’s commitment to “elevate opportunities for community engaged scholarship by leveraging Extension partnerships.”

Addressing Global Challenges

CSU’s strategic themes include Sustainability, Climate, and Resilience; Human, Animal, and Environmental Health; and Public Discourse and Democracy. AI can support work in these areas by:

• Modeling climate scenarios and adaptation strategies
• Analyzing health data to identify patterns and potential interventions
• Facilitating informed public discourse on complex issues
• Creating tools that empower communities to address local challenges

By applying AI to these challenges, CSU fulfills its mission to benefit “Colorado, the nation, and the world.”

Ethical Considerations and Responsible AI

As CSU integrates AI into its mission and operations, ethical considerations must remain paramount. The university’s commitment to “excellence, providing access to a world-class education for all” requires thoughtful attention to:

Equity and Inclusion

AI systems must be designed and implemented with equity in mind, ensuring they:

• Do not perpetuate or amplify existing biases
• Are accessible to all users regardless of background or ability
• Serve the needs of diverse communities
• Support rather than replace human connection and mentorship

These considerations align with CSU’s focus on “creating a climate that enables everyone to feel welcome and to thrive.”

Privacy and Data Governance

Responsible AI use requires careful attention to:

• Student and community data privacy
• Transparent data collection and use policies
• Appropriate consent mechanisms
• Secure data storage and processing

CSU’s commitment to “strengthen cybersecurity, public safety, and work toward coordinated, shared systems” provides a foundation for responsible data governance.