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Overview
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming higher education, and Minnesota State University, Mankato is actively leading this evolution. From policy development and research infrastructure to faculty training and student engagement, the university is building a robust ecosystem that supports the ethical, secure, and innovative use of AI technologies.
Student Access and Tools
Students and employees now have secure access to Microsoft M365 Copilot AI Chat using their StarID credentials. Copilot is fully approved for university use and integrated into Microsoft 365, providing a safe environment for ideation, research, and productivity.
Approved tools include:
- Microsoft M365 Copilot
- Zoom AI Companion
Strategic Leadership and Governance
Minnesota State Mankato is shaping system-wide AI leadership through new academic programs and governance initiatives:
- Offering an M.S. in Artificial Intelligence and a B.S. in Robotics Engineering.
- Convening the AI Affinity Committee, comprised of faculty and staff, to guide conversations, seminars, and engagement around AI.
- Advancing AI research with large language model systems.
- Contributing to statewide leadership: Stephen Kelly, Minnesota State’s Generative AI Lead, co-authored the foundational Minnesota State Generative AI Guidance and launched the system’s first official AI committee.
Faculty and Staff Engagement
The university prioritizes AI literacy and professional development:
- The AI Affinity Group, coordinated by Anne Ludvik and organized by Chris R. Corley, connects faculty and staff to explore AI’s impact on teaching, research, and institutional readiness.
- Meeting notes and subgroup work reflect collaboration and planning around events such as Innovations in AI Across Academia.
- Faculty leaders like Dr. Rajeev Bukralia provide accessible learning resources, including presentations and hands-on exercises (AI: Where It’s Going and the Impact on Our Work), to help demystify AI concepts and encourage thoughtful academic integration.
Research and Infrastructure
Minnesota State Mankato is participating in experimental deployments of AI research workstations, coordinated by Stephen Kelly and supported by Matthew Clay and Bryan Schneider. These efforts explore the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) and the potential for hosting high-powered systems that support interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Policy and Ethics
The university is actively shaping policies to guide responsible AI use:
- Insights from the EDUCAUSE AI Summit, shared by Jennifer R. Veltsos, highlight the need for flexible, forward-looking policies that emphasize academic integrity, data protection, and human oversight.
- These principles are reinforced in the system’s Minnesota State Generative AI Guidance document.
Learning Resources
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) curates a comprehensive set of AI resources for faculty and staff. These include:
- Ethical guidelines and classroom strategies.
- Practical guides for tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing.
These resources are designed to empower faculty and staff to integrate AI thoughtfully, creatively, and responsibly into their teaching and professional work.