The Office of Academic Innovation held its annual Faculty & Suf Summer Conference from June 4th to 5th, bringing together 160 faculty, staff and administrators from the entire CSU system and beyond. Theme: “AI-led future for higher education and work” tHis two-day event created space for collaborative dialogue, practical learning and advancement strategies centered around the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education.
The conference began with a keynote address by Annette Vee, an English professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Vee has come to understand large-scale language models like ChatGpt, explored the potential for classroom transformation, and highlighted how AI can be used to enhance student writing, scaffolding learning, and academic critical thinking.
Participants then continued their second keynote speech by Leslie Kennedy, vice-president of Academic Technology Services, the office of CSU Prime Minister. Kennedy discussed the CSU system's partnership with the newly established Openai. This development represents a major step towards equipping faculty, staff and students with powerful AI tools while advancing system-wide digital equity and ethical adoption practices.
On the second day, we featured a keynote speech by Chesakapara, professor of English and Ethnic Studies at DeAnza University. Kapala spoke about the importance of culturally sensitive education and AI literacy as a form of empowerment. In his keynote address, Kapala said that AI literacy “helps overcome digital division and increase opportunities for students seeking jobs in an emerging workforce.” Her keynote encouraged educators to focus on equity, inclusion and agency in their approach to AI integration.
Over both days, participants chose from two tracks focusing on AI implementation both inside and outside the classroom. Both focus on the use of AI, comprehensive technology practices, and ethical frameworks for emerging workforce skills.
The conference also featured a panel of students and industry who shared perspectives on how AI tools affect academics and the workforce. Their perspective highlighted the importance of transparency, support and critical thinking in building trust and responsible use of AI.
The summer 2025 conference reaffirmed the university's dedication to major educational innovations. We equip faculty and staff with the knowledge, communities and resources needed to consciously and equitably navigate new technology.
For more information about the summer meeting, visit the office on the Academic Innovation website or contact us directly at ai@cpp.edu.
