About Artificial Intelligence
AI Technology Tools at Sac State
Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly recent advances in Generative AI, is transforming our world and how we engage within it. In partnership with the National Institute on Artificial Intelligence in Society (academic thought leadership) and IRT (tools and security), Sacramento State is committed to exploring what's next by providing support, analysis, and guidance about the impacts and opportunities that AI has on teaching, learning, and ultimately society.
As critically important as the "cool" factor of AI is the "security" factor, and it is the responsibility of every Hornet to never put sensitive data into any generative AI app to ensure the privacy, security, and confidentiality of university data that AI platforms can consume.
We're in this together, and welcome questions and consultation requests: AI Data Usage Questions & Support
Campus Apps Featuring Generative AI
| Tools | Summary |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Copilot (with Data Protection) | Standalone app accessed via browser (Microsoft Bing, Edge or directly to copilot.microsoft.com); sign in with Sac State credentials. |
| Microsoft Office 365 Copilot (and Copilot Studio) | Integrated personal assistant within Office 365 app like Word, Teams, Excel, etc. Copilot Studio additionally allows users to create custom copilots/chatbots. |
| Microsoft Azure OpenAI Enterprise Chatbot | Coming Soon! |
| Zoom AI Companion | Summer 2024! Built-in AI-powered personal assistant in the Zoom app. |
| Otter.ai | Speech-to-text transcription supporting student accessibility needs. |
What is Generative AI?
People and machines working together.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is “the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior." When prompted by a request ("create an XYZ that does XYZ") Generative AI draws from existing materials to help create new content including images, videos, music, speeches, text, software code, designs, and more. Its use is increasingly prevalent and carries specific implications - and user responsibilities - within higher education.
It's an exciting era of exploration and discovery, and Sacramento State is committed to ensuring Generative AI tools enhance and expand what's possible, while also educating the campus community to use them optimally and responsibly.