In the spring of 2024, ASU graduated 20,000 students—its largest class yet. “No two people learn in exactly the same way, and innovation has proven to be the most powerful asset that we have,” says Michael M. Crow, President of ASU. “Essential to ASU’s success is that we use technology, and now AI, to deliver lifelong learning and to drive human potential.”

By bringing ChatGPT into higher education, ASU is setting a new precedent for universities to enhance learning, creativity, and student outcomes while remaining committed to leading in innovation and responsible use of technology. President Crow envisions a future where AI will continue transforming higher education, making it more personalized and inclusive. “Higher education in 50 years will be highly diversified, technologically enhanced, and throughout a person’s life.”

ASU adopted ChatGPT the same way it adopted other technology: by being intentional about its impact. “What we’ve learned at ASU is that if you want to focus on the impact of technology, start by asking the community what they want to solve for,” says Lev Gonick, ASU's Chief Information Officer.

The AI Innovation Challenge⁠(opens in a new window) was a product of this mindset. In February 2024, ASU invited faculty and staff to submit proposals for using ChatGPT to maximize their teaching, research, and operations. Submissions required a clear plan for integrating ChatGPT into one of three priority areas: