Dear Campus Community,

At the epicenter of the future, San José State is a hub of a continuous evolution and growth in Silicon Valley — long recognized around the world as the center of technological innovation — where big ideas are driven by big thinkers. Today, SJSU is in a position to serve as the region’s base for research and education around the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies. SJSU boasts not only AI subject-matter experts among its faculty, they are also an authority on what may be the most important technological development of our time.

As tempting as it is to sprint ahead with the development of AI, we recognize that, given the potential for misuse, any movement forward must be accompanied by deliberate consideration around its ethical use. It is this equally weighted prioritization of technological progress and responsible use that sits at the root of SJSU’s new AI vision statement, now in effect after having been approved by the president’s cabinet.

A topic this important deserves a collective approach, not only at the outset but also along the way, which is why San José State will be hosting a series of forums and shining a light on the university’s activity in the AI space. The first of these will be held on April 19, during Research Week, and you are invited. In addition to hearing from faculty who are active in AI research and teaching, you will also have the opportunity to hear a live panel discussion that I will be moderating with Congresswomen Zoe Lofgren and Anna Eshoo, which will explore the impact AI will have on our lives now and in the future. 

The April 19 Futures Forum will examine how universities and the government can be actively engaged to shape this future to allow these new technologies to flourish while remaining committed to equity and justice. The Futures Forum will take place from 9–11 a.m. inside the Student Union Theater. For more information and to register for the Futures Forum, please check out the event website.

I am tremendously excited to see now only how AI will reshape our world, but also the role SJSU will play in its responsible development and use.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson

President

(She/Her/Ella)