InnovAIte @PSU
Empowering Faculty and Staff with AI Competencies
Embedded Files
Overview
Portland State University (PSU) is committed to exploring and harnessing the transformative power of generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to enhance teaching, research, and operations across our campus. The InnovAIte@PSU program empowers faculty and staff with the knowledge, skills, and resources to integrate generative AI thoughtfully and effectively into their daily work.
Through structured learning, collaborative experimentation, and real-world project implementation, the program builds foundational AI literacy while fostering responsible innovation. Participants engage in specialized tracks—Research, Teaching, and Operations—allowing them to explore AI applications most relevant to their professional roles.
InnovAIte@PSU establishes a thriving community of practice where AI practitioners can learn, share insights, collaborate across departments, and drive meaningful innovation that advances PSU's mission of educational excellence and institutional effectiveness.
Elevate Your GenAI Skills!
Apply Now for the InnovAIte Academy!
Be part of the inaugural cohort launching this June. Faculty and staff from all backgrounds are invited to unlock the potential of Generative AI. Applications are now open. Apply today.
Program Goals
Enhance AI Literacy: Equip faculty and staff with foundational knowledge and practical skills in generative AI, focusing on applications across research, teaching, and operational contexts that align with their professional responsibilities.
Develop a Community of Practice: Foster a collaborative environment where participants can share knowledge, experiences, and innovative practices related to AI implementation, creating lasting networks that transcend departmental boundaries.
Innovate Academic and Administrative Processes: Utilize AI to streamline and improve the efficiency of research workflows, teaching methodologies, and operational procedures, reducing time expenditure while enhancing quality and effectiveness.
Empower Practical AI Integration: Enable participants to confidently implement AI solutions for real-world challenges, from accelerating literature reviews and personalizing student learning to automating administrative tasks and optimizing resource allocation.
Promote Responsible AI Use: Ensure participants understand ethical considerations, data privacy, bias mitigation, and appropriate attribution, fostering AI applications that align with PSU's values of inclusivity, integrity, and educational excellence.
Build Institutional Capability: Position PSU as a leader in responsible AI adoption in higher education while developing internal expertise that supports long-term innovation and competitive advantage.
Core Components of InnovAIte@PSU
Learning Foundation
Certification & Tools
Certification & Tools
Participants complete two professionally recognized Coursera certificates—Google AI Essentials and Prompting Essentials—establishing foundational knowledge in AI applications and prompt engineering techniques. Upon completion, they receive one-year access to a Gemini Education Add-On license, which includes Gemini Pro, NotebookLM Plus, and enhanced integration with other Google Workspace tools. This combination of credentialed learning and advanced tools provides participants with both the theoretical framework and practical resources needed to implement AI solutions effectively in their professional roles.
Collaborative Practice
Peer Learning
Through bi-weekly Innovation Circles aligned with specialized tracks (Research, Teaching, or Operations), participants engage in collaborative learning experiences with colleagues who share similar professional contexts and challenges. These facilitated workshops provide structured opportunities to apply new concepts, troubleshoot implementation challenges, and share emerging best practices. The peer learning environment fosters cross-departmental connections, enables knowledge exchange beyond traditional silos, and builds a supportive community where participants can learn from each other's successes and setbacks.
Practical Application
Project Innovation
Each participant or team develops and implements a real-world AI project that addresses specific challenges within their PSU role or department. This hands-on application transforms theoretical knowledge into practical solutions, whether streamlining research workflows, enhancing student learning experiences, or optimizing administrative processes. Projects culminate in the InnovAIte Symposium, where participants showcase their innovations through demonstrations and presentations and contribute to PSU's growing repository of AI applications and best practices.
Additional Resources
Page updated
Report abuse