September 25, 2023

University Spotlight

AI Task Force - Expanding Exploratory Group 

From the Desk of Tim Werth, CIO: 

The AI Task Force and the AI Exploratory Group are quickly expanding their evaluation of technologies in support of our students, faculty and staff. The Task Force, which has been in existence since January of 2023, is continuing to lead our evaluation of the impacts of Generative AI and ideation and execution to deliver this new technology to our institution. “We recognize the impact that AI can and is having on our students and we want to be the driving force to deliver cutting edge technology and transformative impacts to our students inside and outside the classroom”, says AI Task Force Chair Samuel Weber, Executive Director, Innovative Learning Technologies.

The AI Task Force, in collaboration with IT and PG Staff, is allocating resources toward the Exploratory Group to evaluate and/or deploy new technologies. First, in October 2023, the group will begin the build and deploy phase of our PG Learning Assistant which is an AI powered chatbot that will surface in both Brightspace and PG Campus. While chatbot capabilities are not new, our ability to use generative AI at institutional scale is exciting and will serve as a foundation for services of increasing complexity. We will answer basic questions for now then matriculate into contextualized feedback, data triggered and service specific conversational interfaces with our students.

Another exciting opportunity has landed at Purdue Global with our participation in the Early Access evaluation of a new Google technology called NotebookLM. This Application - Blog Post can be thought of as a “...virtual research assistant that can summarize facts, explain complex ideas and brainstorm new connections - all based on sources you select.” The Exploratory Group is organizing a cohort to develop use cases and deliver feedback to Google during the 4th quarter of 2023. Purdue Global is one of only five higher education institutions asked to provide feedback on this product and is attributable to the industry leading work of our Task Force, previously led by Maricel Lawrence, and the respect Google has for our institution.

Finally, we have invested in licensing for Duet AI in Workspace and are forming a 50 person pilot to evaluate the impact this application could have on our students, faculty, and staff. This application has several AI powered collaboration tools designed to improve productivity and connections across the tools included in Workspace. As this application is further evaluated in the pilot cohort, we will share the findings and any next steps for potential rollout to a larger population at Purdue Global.

These are exciting times and we are just at the very beginning of imagining the world with Generative AI. I would like to thank the Task Force for their enthusiasm and leadership. We will take a “go slow” to “go fast” approach to the implementation of AI to ensure we deliver on impactful use cases and optimize the technology, in a responsible manner.

Tim Werth

PG News and Updates

Sherman Gillums Jr.

Purdue Global to Host FEMA Official for ‘Equity in Emergency Management’ Webinar

In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, Purdue Global will host a webinar featuring Sherman Gillums Jr., FEMA’s director of the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, at 6 p.m. ET Thursday, Sept. 28, via Zoom. The “Equity in Emergency Management” webinar will highlight awareness and the importance of preparation for natural disasters and emergencies.

“The public safety faculty are excited to welcome FEMA Director Sherman Gillums Jr. for an interactive discussion on equity in emergency management,” said Shane Kelley, associate dean in Purdue Global’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “In conjunction with National Preparedness Month and this year's theme laid out by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, we think it is important to help everyone, especially older and disabled persons and their caregivers, in their emergency and disaster preparedness plans.”

The webinar, hosted by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, is open to public safety students, alumni and partners as a part of the school’s efforts to increase awareness of the programs available. The event also allows Purdue Global students to engage with industry leaders in their particular field of interest. Register here to sign up for the webinar. Learn more about the event.

Reminder: 2023 - 2024 Goal Setting

For Full-Time Employees:

Please ensure your goals have been entered into SuccessFactors. 

For Full-Time New Hires:

If you have recently joined PG, we would like to extend a special welcome. As part of your onboarding process, it’s important that you work with your manager to set goals and enter them into SuccessFactors. This helps you and your manager understand the focus and prioritization of your assignments and paves the way for success in your new role. 

Goal Adjustments:

Don’t fear commitment to a set of goals. While setting clear goals is essential, we understand that priorities can shift. Be confident that you and your manager can update or modify your goals at any time. This flexibility means that your goals stay relevant and align with changing responsibilities. 

Resources to Help:

Questions? Please email us at pghr@purdueglobal.edu.

Across the University

WAC Advisory Committee Seeks Input

The Purdue Global Writing Across the Curriculum Advisory Committee (WAC AC) is seeking your input on how best to serve you. The purpose of this survey is to gather information about the needs of non-student stakeholders who support PG students (e.g., faculty, advisors, staff, and administration). Participation is optional, anonymous, and respondents may also stop and submit at any time. Thank you for your participation. Questions about the survey may be sent to WAConcierge@purdueglobal.edu.

Here’s what some of our past members shared about being part of the crew:“Get more people involved--this was a wonderful way to connect with colleagues!”“The week rocked! Thanks for the opportunity!”

Join the Purdue Global Village Conference Crew

You still have time to join us. We seek faculty and staff with an outstanding commitment and dedication to supporting others in their professional development and engagement. As a Conference Crew member, you will be energized by the experience!

The Conference Crew members promote, attend, host sessions, and engage in discussion at the conference. As session hosts, crew members help attendees connect with diverse voices across the university. This is an excellent opportunity for everyone at any level of experience. Conference Crew members may earn up to 10 hours of service to the university. The Conference Crew interest form is open through Friday, September 29, 2023, and requires a recommendation from your manager.

Important Dates:

Learn more about Purdue Global Village and submit your Conference Crew interest form today!

Continue the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

This week’s events:

¡Family Loteria! for all students, staff, and faculty and families
Join to play Mexican-style bingo and win prizes!

Link will be released Thursday morning on the HHM webpage

Don’t forget the Spanish 101 Matching Game and Community Culture Crowdshare!

SAVE THE DATE: Sonia Manzano | Wednesday, October 11 | 1PM ET

For over 40 years, Sonia Manzano inspired, educated, and delighted children and families as "Maria" on Sesame Street. Named among the “25 Greatest Latino Role Models Ever” by Latina Magazine, Manzano broke ground as one of the first Hispanic characters on national television. Throughout her career, she has continued to contribute to enriching diversity on television, on the stage, and in the educational realm. A first generation Puerto Rican born on the mainland, Manzano’s tale is one of perseverance and courage as she overcame countless obstacles to become one of the most influential Latinas in television. Registration is required. Information on all Hispanic Heritage Month activities can be found on the OCIE website, including the Diversity Calendar with all Zoom links.

Amanda Greene

Legal Studies Student Spotlight - Amanda Greene

Amanda Greene says her journey at Purdue Global has been nothing short of amazing. PG was an easy choice given its stellar reputation as a wholly online institution serving the needs of working adults and accepting prior credits. Like many of our students, Amanda juggled many responsibilities as a working mother of three who was determined to pursue her educational ambitions, while also supporting her husband who himself held two jobs to support their family. With the support of her family, Amanda was able to make school a priority. Read more about Amanda and her PG journey.

Upcoming Events

Check out more information about upcoming events on the Purdue Global Calendar. 

Monday, September 25

12:00 pm ET

The Inclusive Classroom: LGBTQIA2S+ Survey and Respect Online Course

This live session will provide an opportunity to participate in the innovative Instructor Attitudes Toward Teaching LGBTQIA2S+ Students Survey. The rest of the session will highlight important takeaways from the APA "The Respect Online Course: Preventing Health Risks and Promoting Healthy Outcomes Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Students".


1:00 pm ET

Customize Your Brightspace Course

This training session will provide an overview of the instructor's create and edit permissions in Brightspace. The permissions provide faculty the ability to customize content modules/items and discussion forums/topics. The permissions are a part of the Classroom of the Future Purdue Global Move. The change will empower faculty with new ways to support student success in their Brightspace classrooms. Students will benefit from the added perspective of faculty expertise shared within unique content items and discussion topics in their classes.

Friday, September 29

12:00 pm ET

AI Guidance for Faculty

Join this session to discuss best practices and guidance around the use of AI tools. The following items will be addressed:

Purdue Global Calendars