How AI Is Transforming Student Housing Operations at Sacramento State
08/24/26
In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider podcast, Rhea Kelly, editor-in-chief of Campus Technology, interviews Adam Dowrie, associate director of organization and planning at California State University, Sacramento, about how AI is affecting student housing operations. Dowery describes shifting enrollment patterns and Sacramento State’s upcoming live-on requirement starting fall 2026, which is prompting real-time planning for capacity and demand. He explains how Sacramento State is using AI to improve writing quality in e-mails and notes, surface student information quickly, reduce time spent navigating the system, and potentially automate tasks like check-ins, check-outs, packages, and visitor connections. Adoption is optional, success is currently focused on staff comfort and efficiency, and the goal is freeing time for more student-facing work.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:30 Adam’s Role at Sac State
01:48 Housing Challenges and Live-On Policy
04:16 AI Tools in Housing Ops
07:40 StarRez and AI Rollout
09:22 Workflow Changes with AI
12:08 AI Analytics and Forecasting
14:06 Change Management and Adoption
16:24 Measuring Success and Student Impact
19:34 Final Advice and Wrap Up
Music: Mixkit
Duration: 22 minutes
Transcript (coming soon)