FREMONT, Calif. — San Francisco Bay University has launched a partnership with OpenAI aimed at advancing the integration of artificial intelligence into teaching, learning and workforce preparation.
The partnership was inaugurated during a campus event that brought together students, faculty, academic leaders and AI experts to examine the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education. The program featured a panel discussion and live Q&A with Sam Combs of OpenAI’s education team, alongside a student hackathon showcase highlighting applied AI projects.
The event reflected SFBU’s commitment to integrating AI across instruction and preparing students for careers in an AI-driven economy.
“AI is not just a tool — it’s a transformation layer for education,” said Shalini Gopalkrishnan, AI strategist at SFBU. “Our goal is to ensure students don’t just use AI passively, but learn to build with it, think critically about it, and apply it ethically. This partnership accelerates our mission to embed AI fluency into the core of the student experience.”
During the discussion, Combs emphasized the importance of tool fluency, critical thinking and cultivating a builder mindset. Panelists also discussed how higher education is evolving alongside technological innovation and explored the future of AI-powered personalized learning.
Students showcased AI-powered solutions addressing challenges such as interview preparation, career readiness, personalized learning support and academic productivity. The hackathon served as an applied learning lab, demonstrating student engagement with industry-aligned AI development.
University leaders said the OpenAI partnership supports an ethics-centered approach to AI integration, including embedding AI across the curriculum, providing students access to AI tools, supporting faculty in responsible AI use, and emphasizing transparency and academic integrity.
The event was organized by Elton Li, director of IT, and the university’s strategy and innovation team, led by Dr. Heather Herrera, vice president of strategy and innovation.
By convening industry leaders and student innovators, SFBU aims to strengthen its role in preparing graduates for a future in which AI serves as a collaborative tool in the workplace.
About San Francisco Bay University
San Francisco Bay University focuses on innovation-driven education and career readiness, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
For media inquiries, contact: pr@sfbu.edu
