Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a focal point of exploration across the campus, sparking both enthusiasm and uncertainty. While some departments have clear plans for integrating AI, others are still contemplating its potential applications within their workflows.
Two supportive initiatives, the AI Pathways and AI Explorer Grants programs, have been introduced to facilitate both guided insights and practical experimentation.
AI Pathways: Structured Guidance for Departments
The AI Pathways program is tailored for departments and administrative units that are looking for structured assistance to pinpoint valuable AI opportunities. This involves concentrated discussions led by the AI Support Team within Information Technology Services (ITS), helping teams to evaluate current processes, determine feasibility and risks, and chart out pragmatic steps forward.
Typically, engagements within AI Pathways transition from initial discussions to actionable steps in three to four weeks.
Interested parties can apply by visiting the AI Pathways page.
No formal approval is necessary for participation. However, any outcomes involving procurement, sensitive data, or greater institutional implications must navigate existing review and governance structures.
To ensure fair access and prioritization, requests are assessed using a rubric that evaluates strategic alignment, potential impact, readiness, feasibility, and equitable access across campus units.
AI Explorer Grants: Experimental AI Licenses
The AI Explorer Grants initiative offers a limited number of fully funded, six-month ChatGPT Edu licenses to individuals or small teams with a clear idea to test. This program is aimed at enhancing efficiency in repetitive tasks, improving content drafting or summarization, analyzing data innovatively, or exploring novel administrative or research workflows.
Application details can be found on the AI Explorer Grants page. Applicants must submit a brief micro-proposal detailing the task to be improved, the proposed use of ChatGPT Edu, and the expected success indicators over six months.
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with criteria assessing feasibility, potential impact, alignment with university AI policies, and clarity of outcomes.
Selected applicants receive a six-month license, guidance from the AI Support Team, and timely reminders as the license period nears its end. Participants are encouraged to share brief reflections on their experiences, aiding the university in understanding where AI tools provide significant value.
Both programs adhere to the university’s responsible AI guidelines. Activities involving protected health information, UI Health Care users, student classroom usage, or those not aligned with current guidance are ineligible for AI Explorer Grants at this time.
For questions, please contact the ITS AI Support Team.
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