Central Washington University’s response to generative AI is a story of early action, steady adaptation, and growing institutional commitment.
This presentation highlights how Multimodal Learning at CWU began engaging with AI even before ChatGPT 3.5 was officially released, followed by the formation of a cross-disciplinary AI Working Group in early 2023. From there, the focus evolved from initial concerns about academic integrity and AI prevention toward a broader emphasis on AI literacy, ethical use, and workforce readiness, with particular attention to valuing process over product. The scale of this work is substantial, with more than 45 workshops reaching approximately 450 faculty participants and 115 students, culminating in the launch of the AI Literacy Essentials badge and certificate series in Fall 2025. This effort is closely aligned with CWU’s strategic priorities around student success, engagement, belonging, and stewardship, while also responding to Washington state’s Executive Order 24-01 and the university’s own Generative AI Taskforce.
Looking forward, we look to continue expanding this leadership through new programming on AI-resilient assessment, agentic AI, wearable AI policy, classroom chatbots, and workforce-focused student learning, alongside participation in the national UPCEA AI Study Group. Through early coalition-building, iterative programming, and close faculty/student engagement we look to stay ahead of the curve in providing in-time faculty development opportunities and AI-related workforce readiness for our students.
