The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Student Success in Higher Education

Max J. Tsai, Director for Planning and Digital Transformation, California State University, Fresno

Max Tsai is the Director of Planning and Digital Transformation at Fresno State. His leadership and commitment to digital transformation exemplify a forward-thinking approach that embraces technology and innovation. Through various initiatives, including AI-powered projects, student-driven developments and the new Cybersecurity internship, Max has fostered an environment that not only enhances the educational experience but prepares students for future success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. His efforts reflect a dedication to equity, access and community engagement, positioning Fresno State as a leader in leveraging technology to benefit both the university and the broader Central Valley region.

Max was recognized as the Distinguished Innovator by the Cal State Chancellor’s Office/ITS in 2022 and has been named an Education Champion by Amazon Web Services since 2022.

Empowering Student Success and Community Impact

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education presents significant opportunities for innovation and enhancement of student success, particularly in institutions like Fresno State. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Fresno State is committed to promoting equity, access and success for underserved populations through its comprehensive Digital Transformation initiatives.

One prominent example is the Fresno State Bulldog Genie, a digital campus concierge developed by students in 2021. Designed to facilitate the transition back to on-campus learning post-pandemic, the Bulldog Genie offers continuous support throughout students' academic journey, providing essential information conveniently and accessible. Utilizing AI and mobile technology, the Bulldog Genie centralizes information, effectively assisting students in navigating their needs and interests.

Building on the success of the Bulldog Genie, Fresno State plans to introduce Generative AI (Gen-AI) technologies. These advancements, incorporating Large Language Models (LLMs) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques, aim to enhance the educational experience and operational efficiency. By improving academic advising and offering continuous support, Gen-AI empowers students to take proactive roles in their educational and career pathways. The integration of AI and Smart Campus technologies, is expected to foster a more personalized and efficient learning environment.

Furthering these efforts, the Digital Transformation team has developed the Automated University platform, a comprehensive digital one-stop system. This platform integrates modern Integration-Platform-as-a-Service (iPaaS), Business Process Management (BPM), Business Intelligence (BI) and cloud infrastructure. It supports strategic planning, improves operational efficiency and enriches the educational experience by automating workflows, delivering real-time analytics and ensuring seamless data integration. The addition of Generative BI (Gen-BI), featuring advanced analytics and interactive dashboards, provides stakeholders with actionable insights through data storytelling and visualization, thereby enhancing decision-making processes.

In addition to these technological advancements, Fresno State has introduced a new Cybersecurity internship program, aimed at equipping students with practical skills in cybersecurity. This initiative not only complements the Gen-AI and Gen-BI projects by ensuring a secure campus environment but contributes significantly to workforce development, offering students valuable hands-on experience.

Approximately 80 percent of Fresno State graduates remain in the Valley, thereby contributing significantly to the local community. These initiatives, developed by students for students at the Hub of Digital Transformation and Innovation (dxi.fresnostate.edu), highlight Fresno State's dedication to fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. The university empowers students to create impactful solutions, reinforcing its commitment to educational excellence and community engagement.