Terrence Cheng speaking at a meeting in 2025 when he served as chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities.
Former Chancellor Terrence Cheng submitted a 2,000-page report on ways the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities could improve. Using two AI tools—ChatGPT and GPT Zero— NBC Connecticut concluded at least 80 percent of the report was AI generated.
Cheng developed the report in his capacity as a special adviser to the system. The Board of Regents granted him the temporary role when they declined to renew his contract in April 2025. The advisory position, which pays his full $442,000 annual salary, finishes at the end of the month. The report offered recommendations including a renewed focus on workforce development.
System spokesperson Sam Norton told NBC Connecticut that Cheng admitted to using AI in his research process.
“In his report, Mr. Cheng is transparent about using artificial intelligence as a tool to aggregate and synthesize large volumes of data, generate individual analyses for all 50 states, and assist with copy-editing the lengthy document,” Norton said in a statement. “As with any tool, Mr. Cheng was responsible for validating the underlying research and content.”
Cheng had a tumultuous tenure marked by a contentious consolidation process and state budget challenges . Cheng also came under fire for reports of lavish spending on meals and chauffeured rides to his home in New York, for which he later apologized. The criticisms prompted Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont to call for a state audit in 2024.