Did you know the first email was sent over 50 years ago in March 1972? Fast forward to March 2025, and ChatGPT Edu is launching across the CSU - and at CSUN on March 26!

Join us for Digital Equity Day on April 25 to explore bridging the digital divide at CSUN. This event features an inspiring keynote by Academic Technology Equity Fellow Kari McCoy presenting on her research project on AI literacy, and faculty presentations on integrating AI into teaching and research. Don’t miss the announcement of the winners of the AI Jam 2025 student competition!

This issue also highlights CSUN’s growing XR program, where Professor Vahé Karamian is preparing students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge tech. Plus, get a recap of the AI Jam 2025 Kickoff!

We’re also sharing updates on Microsoft Azure Dev Tools, welcoming new Instructional Technologist Charlie Mahoney, and breaking down upcoming ADA changes that will affect course materials in April 2026. Learn more at April's Faculty Coffee Hour.

Want to boost your online presence? Join the LinkedIn for Faculty and Social Media for Faculty workshops to grow your network, showcase your expertise, and expand your academic reach.

Need help with Canvas, accessibility, or tool transitions? The Faculty Technology Center is offering HEERF Tool Transition Clinics, and the Universal Design Center has hands-on Word and PowerPoint accessibility sessions. Don’t miss these opportunities to enhance your courses!

Want to connect? Join our Zoom Drop-in Hours, make an appointment, or send us an email. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for more Academic Technology updates.

Starting March 26th, as part of the CSU systemwide rollout, CSUN faculty, staff, and students will have access to ChatGPT Edu. This higher education focused platform ensures that all data remains private to CSUN, with no conversations or information shared with OpenAI, the CSU, or other universities. Read more about ChatGPT Edu.

CSUN’s fourth Digital Equity Day is coming up on April 25, 2025! This event features a keynote by Doctoral Student Academic Technology Equity Fellow Kari McCoy on her research into AI literacy, faculty presentations on integrating AI into teaching and research, and the announcement of the winners of the AI Jam 2025 student competition. Learn more about Digital Equity Day.

Professor Vahé Karamian and the Computer Science Department are equipping CSUN students with hands-on experience in XR development through cutting-edge courses in computer graphics, human-computer interaction, and interface design. Discover how CSUN is preparing the next generation of XR innovators!

CSUN’s AI Jam 2025 Kickoff was an exciting venture for students, faculty, and staff showcasing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in building a more connected campus community. This event invited students to explore how AI tools can foster stronger student engagement, improve campus involvement, and support career readiness. Read more about the event.

Big changes are coming to digital accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and CSUN faculty will need to prepare for the April 2026 deadline. This month’s Faculty Coffee Hour will feature experts from CSUN, the Chancellor’s Office, and Cidi Labs discussing the implications for your courses and available support. Join us in person or via Zoom for insightful discussion and refreshments!

CSUN faculty and students now have access to Microsoft Azure Dev Tools for Teaching, a powerful suite of software, cloud services, and learning resources that can enhance your courses and give students hands-on experience with industry-standard tools. Learn how to access these tools.

Big changes are coming to digital accessibility—starting April 24, 2026, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will set new standards for making course materials accessible. To support faculty, CSUN and the Chancellor’s Office are expanding resources, offering new tools, and launching training programs to simplify compliance. Find out what’s changing, how it impacts your courses, and what support is available to help you prepare.

Academic Technology is excited to welcome Charlie Mahoney as our new Instructional Technologist, bringing a dynamic blend of education, technology, and innovation to support faculty and students. With experience ranging from teaching gifted learners to leading tech initiatives at Hulu, Charlie is eager to help you find the right tools to enhance learning. Learn more about Charlie.

These drop-in support sessions, hosted via Zoom by the Faculty Technology Center (FTC), will provide faculty with direct assistance in transitioning from Canvas Studio, Pronto, Hypothesis, and H5P to alternative tools. Whether you have specific questions, need hands-on guidance, or want to explore new solutions, our team is here to help!

Join us for Word Document Accessibility. This hands-on workshop is designed to help CSUN faculty master the advanced accessibility features available in Microsoft Word. Take the next step in ensuring your documents are more inclusive and compliant, so that all users can fully engage with your Word document content.

Want to expand your professional network and showcase your expertise beyond the classroom? Join professional development expert Ms. Aida Camara-Crowder to learn how to leverage LinkedIn for greater visibility and connections with other scholars. This workshop is offered by Anne Choi, AVP, Office of Faculty Programs and Initiatives.

Enhance your presentations with this hands-on workshop to help you create visually engaging and accessible slides. Learn advanced techniques to improve readability, navigation, and compliance. Gain valuable insights that enable you to connect more effectively with your audience. Register now to make your PowerPoint materials more inclusive!

Want to expand your professional reach and amplify your academic presence online? Join CSUN Professor Stacy Long for a unique workshop designed to help faculty master social media strategies that boost visibility and engagement across multiple platforms. This workshop is offered by Anne Choi, AVP, Office of Faculty Programs and Initiatives.

Are you ready to eliminate grading confusion and frustration with just a few clicks? Join us for this workshop where we’ll unveil the secrets to a flawless Gradebook setup in Canvas! Navigate the nuances of assignment and quiz point values, get step-by-step guidance on setting up your Gradebook, and learn expert tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Find more professional development opportunities on the Academic Technology workshop calendar.

Share topics you would like to see covered in a future newsletter, give us feedback on your experience with instructional technology, or let us know of workshop resources you are interested in with the Academic Technology Feedback Form.