Artificial Intelligence

SJSU AI Vision Statement

San José State University is Silicon Valley’s public university located at the academic and geographic center of a technological revolution in the convergence and advancement of research and teaching in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics at an unprecedented pace. SJSU has been advancing artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML), large language models, and related ethical and sociocultural considerations for years. As the world accelerates adaptation to the AI revolution, SJSU will advance its leadership in the development, application, and assessment of these, and preparation of students for future technologies. 

In alignment with our institutional values, we will embrace a shared responsibility and commitment to ethical principles as we adapt our evolving curricula to AI/ML. We will support the growth of our faculty and student research, entrepreneurship and experiential learning to advance these fields for the betterment of humanity.  We will lead the reimagining of business practices in ways that increase our agility to partner with industry — while providing a critical lens towards positively impacting the work and lives of our faculty, staff, students, and wider community.  With a focus on collective impact, we are aligning our university community as thought-leaders and active partners in a flourishing, and responsible tomorrow.

What We Do to Achieve Our Vision

SJSU has a long history of consistently providing the talent needed to maintain Silicon Valley’s leading edge and a place of discovery propelled by a vision of ethical, inclusive and responsible use. As a comprehensive public university and a Silicon Valley anchor institution, SJSU benefits from a wide range of collaborative expertise. Many SJSU faculty researchers are actively applying their expertise directly in AI/ML for the advancement of technology and the consideration of the social impact and ethical implications in fields such as healthcare and education. This research includes federally-funded AI/ML curricular programs as well as philanthropically-supported workforce development programs with partners such as IBM, Adobe, and many others. 

The rapid adaptation of AI/ML and robotics promises to impact workforce development, scientific advancement, scholarship, and society in ways previously unimagined. To thrive in this revolution, SJSU must align our collective efforts to advance the intellectual energy of our students, faculty, and staff opportunities afforded by these emerging technologies to:

  • Meet the intellectual needs of our global ecosystem, including workforce demands for AI/ML-prepared graduates.
  • Embrace mindsets and practices that adapt to the implications of evolving technologies to us as individuals, community, and society including: 1) unprecedented issues prompted by AI/ML in policy, regulation and legal structures; 2) steward the preservation of intellectual property and creative works;  3) reduce the risk of bias and inequities and 4) encourage creative thinking beyond current use and implications to encourage intergenerational adaptability. 
  • Steward the holistic success of a diverse student body, faculty, staff, and the general public as we proactively fulfill the needs of tomorrow in everything we do.

AI Advisory Committee

As SJSU continues to build our foundation as the epicenter of the future, it is imperative that the university enhances and sustains our competitive advantage in artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-related technologies. To drive this initiative, the AI Advisory Committee has been established to serve as a strategic body to advise President Teniente-Matson and the cabinet on the integration, development, and ethical implementation of AI technologies across SJSU’s academic and administrative domains.

The advisory committee is made up of two co-chairs, five faculty members, four staff members, and two student representatives. In addition, two Ex Officio members from University Personnel and the University Library are present to provide key input. The call for nominations yielded more than 120 responses, demonstrating a strong desire on campus to be involved in AI strategy for our university. The diverse makeup of this group will enhance dialogue about how implementation of AI at SJSU can be mutually beneficial to all 40,000 Spartans as well as the broader community. 

The first convening of the committee will occur at the beginning of the fall 2024 semester. Each member will serve on the advisory committee for one full academic year with the possibility of renewal. The AI Advisory Committee will present their findings and recommendations to President Teniente-Matson and the cabinet at the end every semester. 

The advisory committee members are:

  • Magdalena Barrera, Vice Provost for Faculty Success - co-chair
  • Marc d’Alarcao, Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation - co-chair
  • Feruza Amirkulova, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
  • Ahmed Banafa, Lecturer, Interdisciplinary Engineering
  • Étienne Brown, Assistant Professor, Philosophy
  • Harish Chander, Enterprise Systems Analyst and Programmer, Information Technology 
  • Jorjeta Jetcheva, Assistant Professor, Computer Engineering
  • Jason Kim, Industry Research Alliances Specialist, Research and Innovation
  • Yingjie Liu, Lead Instructional Designer, eCampus
  • Christina Mune, Associate Dean of Innovation and Resource Management, University Library, Ex Officio
  • Pablo Nava Barrera, Undergraduate Student, Computer Science
  • Jon Rawski, Assistant Professor, Linguistics and Language Development
  • Holly Quiñones, Manager, Organizational Development and Enrichment Programs, University Personnel, Ex Officio
  • Karen Vogler, University Risk Manager, Finance and Business Services
  • Eboni Weston, Graduate Student, School of Information