#United States #California #Entrinsik #California Lutheran University #Tambellini Group

California Lutheran University Earns Recognition with AI-Powered Learning

California Lutheran University (CLU) recently secured a remarkable achievement by winning the 2025 Tambellini Group Future Campus Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes their dedication to enhancing student outcomes through innovative technology, specifically the implementation of Entrinsik's Informer AI platform. The accolade was awarded in the category of “Impact on Learning Outcomes and Experience,” highlighting CLU's strategic approach in creating effective learning environments.

In recognizing the significance of technology in education, CLU has taken bold steps to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) across its campus. The university has successfully deployed AI Assistants powered by the Informer platform, marking a transformative phase in its educational framework. Entrinsik’s Informer platform has been tailored to create personalized learning experiences for students, ensuring they receive the necessary support in real-time. This initiative aims to embed secure and governed AI directly into CLU's existing digital infrastructure, including their campus portal and mobile application.

This initiative is commendable not only for its innovative technology but also for its sustainable design and measurable impact on student success. Among various educational institutions, CLU's implementation stood out due to its commitment to actionable results and the integration of ethical AI practices. Entrinsik's CEO, Brad Leupen, praised CLU's efforts, stating, "California Lutheran's bold vision and leadership exemplify how higher education can responsibly implement AI to improve outcomes at scale."

AI-Powered Personalization

The Informer AI Assistants are seamlessly integrated with CLU's enterprise resource planning, student information systems, and learning management systems. This comprehensive integration allows students, faculty, and staff to receive tailored insights and support across various academic and administrative functions. Early implementations showcase the AI's capabilities, such as providing one-on-one tutoring using Socratic methods that promote deeper engagement among students. Additionally, AI Instructor Assistants support faculty by analyzing interactions and data to recommend tailored strategies for content framing, ultimately enhancing the educational experience.

Justifying this technological shift, Justin Barkhuff, director of enterprise applications at CLU, expressed gratitude towards Entrinsik for their ongoing assistance and acknowledged the influence of AI on student success. The preliminary results from this strategic initiative are promising, with the university witnessing significant enhancements:

• - A 96% satisfaction rating for their MyCLU platform in campus surveys.
• - A 70% reduction in Financial Aid follow-up issues experienced during orientation.
• - A 75% decrease in unpaid graduation fees following the implementation of a digital checklist.

Building a Sustainable Model

The Tambellini Group noted that CLU’s initiative has not only improved the student experience but also created a sustainable foundation for future growth. The strategies employed by CLU can serve as a blueprint for other institutions looking to integrate fragmented systems and utilize ethical AI for enhanced learning. Zareh Marselian, CIO at CLU, emphasized that this project transcends technology introduction; it aims to remove barriers, enabling students and faculty to focus on education, teaching, and collaboration.

By embedding AI Assistants into the university’s Digital Experience Platform, CLU is fostering a consistent and personalized user experience, reinforcing their dedication to student support. This award from Tambellini reflects their progress and ongoing commitment to utilizing technology for a brighter educational future.

About Entrinsik

Entrinsik, founded over 40 years ago, specializes in developing software solutions that leverage data. Their flagship product, the Informer BI platform, offers organizations a powerful toolset to translate raw data into meaningful insights securely. Recognized for excellence in business intelligence, Entrinsik has worked with numerous sectors, including higher education, to enhance operational effectiveness.

About California Lutheran University

Founded in 1959, CLU stands as a prominent higher education institution, serving over 2,200 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students from diverse backgrounds. With a commitment to fostering character, judgment, and social responsibility among students, the university strives to cultivate future leaders dedicated to service and justice. The recognition gained from the Tambellini Group award emphasizes CLU's commitment to transformative education through innovative practices.