Nearly every student in the California State University (CSU) system has utilized artificial intelligence (AI) tools, according to a comprehensive 2025 survey. However, the study of over 80,000 students, faculty, and staff across CSU’s 22 campuses reveals that most users don’t fully trust the results and harbor concerns about the impact of AI on their future employment.

Widespread AI Adoption & Lingering Doubts

The survey, the largest of its kind in higher education, indicates that 95% of responding CSU students have experimented with AI tools. ChatGPT is the most popular, with 84% of students reporting its use. Despite this widespread adoption, 82% of students expressed worry that AI will negatively affect their future job security.

Concerns About Job Market Competitiveness

Students voiced fears of falling behind if they lack AI proficiency. One computer science major stated, “Even though I don’t want to use it, I HAVE TO! Because if I don’t, then I’ll be left behind, and that is the last thing someone would want in this stupid job market.” Others expressed a need for AI training relevant to their specific fields.

Faculty Perspectives & Policy Needs

Faculty opinions are divided, with just over 55% reporting a positive benefit from AI, while 52% perceive a negative impact so far. Both faculty and students are calling for more involvement in shaping systemwide AI policies. Katie Karroum, vice president of systemwide affairs for the Cal State Student Association, representing over 470,000 students, highlighted the inconsistency in current practices.

Inconsistent Rules & Need for Clarity

“Both of these things are allowed to coexist right now without a policy,” Karroum explained, referring to the varied approaches to AI use among professors. She emphasized the need for consistent and transparent rules developed collaboratively with students. Currently, some professors encourage AI use, while others prohibit it.

CSU's AI Initiatives & Data-Driven Decisions

The CSU system has partnered with OpenAI to provide ChatGPT access and is also collaborating with Adobe, Google, IBM, Intel, LinkedIn, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. Elisa Sobo, a professor of anthropology at San Diego State and a survey interpreter, stressed the importance of data in informing AI policies. “We need to have data to make data-informed decisions instead of just going by anecdote,” she said.

Survey Findings & Demographic Insights

The survey data reveals that first-generation students are particularly interested in formal AI training, and Black, Hispanic, and Latino students show greater interest than white students. San Diego State has already implemented a requirement for students to earn an AI micro-credential during their first year, a change prompted by a 2023 campus survey.

Looking Ahead: Collaboration & Safeguards

The California Faculty Association (CFA) is advocating for ethical safeguards and protections for faculty regarding AI use, including professional development resources and intellectual property protection. The CFA also seeks faculty inclusion in future systemwide decisions, including the potential renewal of the OpenAI contract in July. This research was originally published by EdSource, an independent nonprofit organization.