AI Jam 2026

Kickoff Welcome

Álvaro Geminiano Aragón

Álvaro Geminiano Aragón is a student leader with Associated Students who supports campus engagement and student-driven initiatives. He works to amplify student voices and connect student leadership with campus-wide programming, helping ensure events like AI JAM reflect student priorities and interests.

Ron Philip

Vice President of Information Technology and CIO

Ranjit (Ron) A. Philip is the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, leading the Information Technology (IT) division. The IT division is responsible for the delivery of effective, secure, reliable technology infrastructure and services that enable, promote, and support CSUN students, faculty and staff to achieve their goals. IT is committed to offer leadership and support in the advancement of technology, working in a collaborative partnership with CSUN's departments, colleges, and administrative divisions.

AI & Wellbeing

Dr. Abram D. Milton

Dr. Abram D. Milton represents University Counseling Services and brings expertise in student well-being and mental health advocacy. His work supports student resilience, belonging, and holistic success, ensuring that high-impact experiences like AI JAM are grounded in student wellness and support.

Dr. Sheila Steinberg

Dr. Sheila Steinberg represents the Institute for Sustainability, where she supports interdisciplinary research and student engagement focused on environmental and social impact. Her work connects innovation with sustainability principles, encouraging students to consider ethical and community-centered applications of emerging technologies.

Competition Details

Step 1!

• Self-enroll in the AI Jam Canvas course as early as today: (Scan QR Code)
• https://canvas.csun.edu/enroll/AJYXX6
• In the Canvas course you will find more detailed guidelines, a Q&A forum, and a forum to find teammates if you’re interested

Step 2!

• Submit your competition registration using the assignment within the Canvas course by noon on March 13th
• You’ll be asked to identify any team members and an initial description of the project concept or focus area

AI and Sustainability

How can AI help us design smarter, more sustainable systems for our planet, communities, and campus? Students might focus on solutions such as:

• 🌎 AI tools that help reduce campus energy or water waste
• 🌱 AI-powered tools that help students track and reduce their carbon footprint
• 🚲 Smart transportation planning tools to reduce emissions

Think about environmental, economic, or social sustainability for the CSUN campus.

AI and Ethics

What ethical challenges emerge as AI shapes decisions, and how can we design more responsible systems at CSUN? Students could explore solutions such as:

• ⚖️ AI bias detection tools that flag untrue and/or unfair outcomes
• 🔎 Transparency dashboards that show how an AI system makes decisions
• 🛡 Privacy-protection tools that help users control their data

Your project might propose a new system, framework, policy model, or accountability mechanism.

AI in Student Well-Being

How can AI support CSUN students' mental health, belonging, balance, and overall well-being?  Students might propose:

• 🧘 AI-powered wellness check-in tools
• 📆 Smart academic workload planners to reduce burnout
• 🤝 Community-building platforms that connect students with shared interests
• 🚨 Early-alert systems that identify patterns of academic stress

Be thoughtful about privacy, consent, and ethical safeguards in this track.