Dear faculty,

Based on feedback from you, and in order to align resources with our goal to provide artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and skills to all students starting in fall 2026, we are pleased to announce an opportunity for faculty members to participate in the development of dynamic and innovative courses that support the integration of AI concepts, principles, and practices into the curriculum relevant to their disciplines.

Below is a comprehensive summary of the process, selection criteria, and support offered through the Provost’s Strategic Investment Fund for participants involved in this initiative:

  • Each academic dean can work with their department chairs/ equivalent in stand-alone schools to choose a faculty member from each department or equivalent to participate in this initiative.
  • The designated faculty member will be responsible for developing or updating a significant component of an undergraduate upper-level course to facilitate the integration of AI concepts, principles, and practices within their discipline’s curriculum. Alternatively, the faculty member may create modules for multiple courses or collaborate with several faculty members to incorporate AI into their teaching. The specific responsibilities of the designated faculty member will be determined in consultation with their dean.
  • Compensation for the selected faculty member will include one week of paid summer time per the CBA per-diem requirements dedicated to course development, as well as one course release, to be taken during the initial semester in which the new course is offered. Both the paid summer period and course release will be fully supported by the Provost’s Strategic Investment Fund.
  • The initiative is scheduled to begin in summer 2026, during which participating faculty will be granted one week of paid time for course development or another task as agreed with the dean.
  • Course implementation is anticipated to occur between fall 2026 and spring 2027.
  • Academic deans will work with their department chairs or equivalent in stand-alone schools on the best process to select participants from each department or equivalent consistent with the established norms and practices of their respective unit. Deans may choose to provide additional support at the program level in departments where programs are significantly distinct in their curriculum needs and requirements.

We are very excited about this opportunity to encourage institution-wide engagement in curriculum review and course development to support the integration of AI throughout our curriculum. We would also like to thank faculty who have participated in sessions with us to help generate ideas on how to offer meaningful support for engaged and innovative pedagogical practices at UVM.

Questions about selection criteria should be directed to your dean. Please be in touch should you have any other questions about this initiative. 

Jane Okech
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

Linda Schadler
Interim Provost and Senior Vice President