FSU outlines campus AI strategy at United Nations event

Florida State University presented its approach to expanding AI across teaching, research and campus operations at a GlobalMindED event at the United Nations in New York City. Vice President and Chief Information Officer Jonathan Fozard joined leaders from New York University, the University of Chicago and Amazon Web Services to discuss moving beyond experimentation toward meaningful outcomes.

FSU is making secure, university-supported tools available across disciplines, including the arts, humanities, business, health and education. It evaluates multiple platforms rather than relying on a single technology, examining how vendors protect intellectual property, institutional information and student data. Fozard emphasized that AI should support faculty and staff while preserving instruction, mentorship and human relationships.

An AI-supported assignment tool illustrates that approach: students receive feedback and revise their work before submitting it to an instructor for a final grade. Early pilot results showed about 20% better performance among students who used the tool compared with those who chose not to use it.

Fozard also highlighted pediatric rare disease research combining whole-genome sequencing, advanced computing, data-driven research and emerging AI capabilities to help accelerate diagnosis and the search for treatments. Technology internships complement those efforts by giving students practical technical experience alongside communication, teamwork and leadership skills.