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Elevate Your Generative AI Skills
Elevate Your Generative AI Skills
Portland State University is thrilled to announce the inaugural cohort of the InnovAIte Academy, set to commence in June 2025. This innovative program empowers faculty and staff across all departments, regardless of their previous experience with generative AI, to harness its potential in research, teaching, and operations. No computer science, technology, or programming background is required – our focus is on practical application that is accessible to all.
Our mission is to elevate excellence and streamline processes throughout PSU. By providing AI tools that automate routine tasks, the InnovAIte Academy revolutionizes how we conduct research, enhance student learning, and optimize administrative workflows. This drives efficiency and innovation, allowing you to dedicate more time to advancing knowledge, inspiring students, and supporting PSU's educational mission.
Whether exploring AI for the first time or deepening existing knowledge, the InnovAIte Academy offers specialized tracks in Research, Teaching, and Operations. Through structured learning, peer collaboration, and hands-on projects, you'll develop foundational skills and practical applications tailored to your role.
As part of the inaugural cohort, you'll be at the forefront of this transformative initiative, joining a growing community of AI practitioners shaping the future of higher education.
What Benefits Does the InnovAIte Academy Provide?
What Benefits Does the InnovAIte Academy Provide?
Comprehensive AI Education: The program is designed for all levels of expertise, whether you're new to AI or aiming to enhance your existing skills. Earn two professionally recognized Coursera certificates that demonstrate your AI competency, and includes key concepts around responsible use of AI.
Premium AI Tools: Receive one-year (free) access to a Gemini Education Add-On license, which includes Gemini Pro, NotebookLM Plus, and enhanced integration with other Google Workspace tools.
Professional Microcredential: Earn the InnovAIte Foundations microcredential upon completion, formally recognizing your achievement in AI literacy and application.
Vibrant Community: Join a network of AI practitioners across departments where collaboration, knowledge sharing, and responsible innovation are at the core.
Practical Implementation: Apply your learning immediately through hands-on projects that address real challenges in your role, with ongoing support from facilitators and peers throughout the development process.
What Is Expected of Academy Participants?
What Is Expected of Academy Participants?
Complete Foundational Learning: Finish both Coursera certifications—Google AI Essentials and Prompting Essentials—by mid-August. These self-paced courses build your understanding of generative AI applications and prompt engineering techniques, and unlock your one-year access to a Gemini Education Add-On license with Gemini Pro.
Attend Innovation Circles: Participate in at least 75% of the bi-weekly Innovation Circles within your chosen track (Research, Teaching, or Operations). These facilitated sessions are essential for applying new skills, tackling real challenges, and learning from peers.
Develop an AI Implementation Project: Create and implement a practical AI solution addressing actual challenges in your role or department. Work individually or in teams to develop solutions demonstrating AI's transformative potential.
Participate in Key Events: Attend both the June Launch Meeting and the fall 2025 InnovAIte Symposium, where you'll showcase your project and connect with the broader InnovAIte community.
Engage with the Community: Actively share insights, challenges, and successes with fellow participants to build PSU's growing network of AI practitioners and earn the InnovAIte Foundations microcredential upon program completion.
The inaugural cohort of the InnovAIte Academy offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of AI integration across research, teaching, and operations at PSU. We seek forward-thinking, creative individuals ready to leverage AI's potential to enhance their professional activities and contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence.
Start your journey with the InnovAIte Academy and be part of a community shaping AI's future in higher education. With only 100 spots available across all three tracks, this exclusive opportunity will fill quickly.
Faculty Note: InnovAIte will begin this summer, and faculty members who are not on contract during that time are still encouraged to apply. Accepted participants will receive immediate access to the Coursera online courses, which they may complete at their discretion. They may then complete the remaining components of the InnovAIte Foundations microcredential—including participation in the "Innovation Circles"—during the fall term as part of the second cohort.
Application Materials
Please complete the online application form here to apply for the InnovAIte Academy. The form includes:
A brief statement (100-150 words max) describing your interest in the program and how you envision generative AI transforming your work in research, teaching, or operations at PSU.
Indication of your preferred track: Research, Teaching, or Operations (note: you may specify if you're open to multiple tracks).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For full consideration, please submit your application by June 23, 2025. Early submission is encouraged due to limited spots in the inaugural cohort and high anticipated demand across all units and tracks.
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