AI in Higher Education: CSU's Initiative & the Future of Student Learning

Higher Education Access, Innovation & Student Success

In this student-led conversation, students serve as interviewers, engaging leaders from the California State University system and OpenAI in a discussion about CSU’s initiative to expand student access to generative AI tools. Through student-driven questions, panelists will explore the thinking behind this effort, including how universities are evaluating emerging technologies, supporting responsible use in academic settings, and preparing students for a rapidly evolving workforce. The conversation will examine how institutions are approaching opportunities and challenges related to AI in higher education, including digital literacy, academic integrity, and equitable access to new tools. By placing students at the center of the discussion, the session offers a unique opportunity to hear how education leaders and technology innovators are thinking about the role of AI in learning environments and what these developments may mean for students across California.

Dr. Leslie Kennedy

Leslie Kennedy, Ed.D. is a distinguished academic technology executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across the California State University (CSU) system. She has led major initiatives in digital learning, academic innovation, generative AI adoption and implementation, online education strategy, the open educational resources (OER) initiative, and systemwide digital library activities. Dr. Kennedy is recognized for advancing systemwide academic quality, improving student learning outcomes, and overseeing multimilliondollar technology and digital content portfolios across 22 campuses. She is highly skilled in intersegmental collaboration, policy leadership, and building sustainable academic technology ecosystems.

Olivia Pavco-Giaccia

Olivia Pavco-Giaccia is a leader on OpenAI’s Education team, where she focuses on expanding equitable access to artificial intelligence and advancing economic opportunity through education. She represents OpenAI on the California State University (CSU) AI Workforce Acceleration Board, collaborating with higher education leaders to align AI tools and training with student success and workforce needs. Olivia leads OpenAI’s work on certifications and pathways that support learners in developing skills for an evolving, AI-driven economy. Her work centers on building partnerships that increase access, reduce barriers, and create scalable models for integrating AI into education and career pathways.

Daisy Montesinos-Rivera

Undergraduate student at the University of Southern California.

Flor Valencia