When Leah Harris began her freshman year at San Diego State University, she was surprised to see how many students were using artificial intelligence in their studies.
“Everyone I know uses it,” she said. “If you do that, you’ll be in trouble in high school.”
New data shows how pervasive the use of AI is on California college campuses and how mixed student feelings about it are.
Completed by over 94,000 students, faculty and staff across the California State University (CSU) system AI questionnaire Last fall. Other local universities also participated, including UC San Diego, City University, Mesa College, and Miramar College.
Almost 90% of student respondents at the San Diego-based school said they use ChatGPT. At the same time, eight in 10 people said they were concerned that AI would negatively impact creativity, privacy, the environment, and job security.
“It’s not just a binary choice; ‘I love it’ or ‘I hate it,'” said SDSU professor EJ Sobo, who helped create the survey. “There are some really complex and ambiguous feelings, beliefs and emotions going on there.”
In February 2025, the CSU system started an initiative I created a tool like Chat GPT Education — a version of the program with data privacy and security features for schools — and training programs available to students, faculty and staff.
SDSU professor David Goldberg said students are reporting that AI is having both positive and negative impacts on their academic lives.
“They are using AI to study for exams and create flashcards to improve their performance in class,” he said. “But at the same time, there are concerns that we’re relying on it too much and that we’re replacing some of the cognitive development that’s supposed to go on in the course.”
Zoe Lam has such concerns. She is studying political science at SDSU. She said she uses AI to write essays and get summaries of reading assignments.
“I’m too dependent on it,” she said. “I know that, but I’m still using it.”
Most San Diego students agreed that AI will become an integral part of most jobs. However, only one in three said their professors taught them how to use AI effectively.
“SDSU is proud to be a part of this partnership,” said James Frazee, SDSU’s vice chancellor for information technology. “This helps ground the conversation in reality, or reality as perceived by the people we are here to serve.”
Frazee said about 80 SDSU faculty met over winter break to make plans. How can you incorporate AI into your classroom?. one Created a virtual tutor with his students. Another uses A.I. Create a thesis statement example For writing lessons.
Goldberg said SDSU’s Faculty Senate also passed a resolution requiring faculty to include AI policies in their syllabi.
“There could be a total ban on the use of AI. It could be possible to use it, but there are certain rules about how it can be used and for what purposes,” Goldberg said. “That’s up to the instructor, but at least give the students something in terms of expectations.”
SDSU too We offer easy courses For students, faculty and staff regarding generative AI. Learn how AI works, what it can do, and how to use it responsibly.
