AI Toolkit: CSUSM and Beyond

Warning

Always check your instructor’s policies regarding AI before using it for any part of an assignment.

Policies vary by course. What is allowed in one class may be considered academic dishonesty in another. Even if it is just for brainstorming, using AI without permission could result in a violation of CSUSM’s Academic Honesty Policy.

Check the syllabus, and when in doubt, ask your instructor.

University Resources

Generative AI @ IITS

The IITS landing page for all things generative AI at CSUSM shares what tools are available and how they’re being used by students and faculty.

Generative AI Resources

This page has it all! It is a curated hub that includes:

Faculty Center guidance on ethical AI use in coursework
Responsible use practices for students and instructors
Tool comparisons and privacy considerations
Student-facing resources to help evaluate when and how to use AI
Direct links to the Academic Honesty policy and FERPA guidance

CSU AI Commons

A system-wide CSU initiative for exploring AI in teaching, learning, and research. Includes open access to AI teaching materials, case studies, and cross-campus innovations.

Access and Support

ChatGPT EDU (via CSUSM)

CSUSM provides access to ChatGPT EDU, a version of ChatGPT with:

Access to GPT-4
Higher usage limits than free accounts
Your data is not used to train OpenAI’s models

Students, faculty, and staff can sign up with their CSUSM email address or convert an existing ChatGPT account associated with that email.

https://www.csusm.edu/iits/iitsforyou/generativeai/chatgpt/index.html

Microsoft Copilot (via Microsoft 365)

Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 tools like Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Teams. It can assist with writing, editing, summarizing, and formatting. Even though this integrates with your campus accounts, it is your responsibility to ensure outputs meet academic integrity guidelines.

https://www.csusm.edu/iits/iitsforyou/generativeai/copilot/index.html

External Tools to Explore Responsibly

The following tools are not officially integrated with CSUSM accounts, but they may support your learning if used responsibly and while respecting your instructor’s expectations. Avoid entering any private, sensitive, or identifiable information.

Perplexity.ai

An AI-powered search engine that cites its sources. Useful for quick research, fact-checking, and learning how to trace claims back to academic or public sources.
https://www.perplexity.ai

Gemini (by Google)

Google’s generative AI assistant, integrated with Gmail and Google Docs. It can summarize content, generate ideas, or help edit writing.
https://gemini.google.com

NotebookLM (by Google)

Upload notes or PDFs, and this AI assistant will help you turn them into summaries, study guides, or even podcasts. Designed to help students work with their own materials.
https://notebooklm.google

Pointy.AI

A collaborative writing tool that helps with brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising. Especially useful for group projects or guided co-writing exercises.
https://www.pointy.ai/

Consensus.app

An AI assistant that scans peer-reviewed research to answer user questions with cited academic sources. Great for getting a research overview or refining research questions.
https://consensus.app