As 2025 comes to a close, one thing is clear: artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a pace that’s hard to keep up with. The landscape is complex, the tools are multiplying, and the questions are big. Our goal as the AI Support Team is to help the University of Iowa navigate this space with confidence. We’re here to provide guidance, training, and hands-on support so that AI adoption is thoughtful, practical, and aligned with campus needs.
What We’ve Focused On
- Building AI Literacy
With generous support from P3 funds and in partnership with the College of Engineering, we continued offering and supporting HawkAI courses to help students, faculty, and staff build foundational understanding of AI. These courses have been a cornerstone for helping users develop confidence and critical thinking around emerging technologies. - Training for Enterprise AI Tools
We expanded training opportunities for Microsoft Copilot and introduced both foundational and advanced prompting workshops. We’ve also recently introduced training on building Copilot Agents, helping campus users understand what they are, how to create them, and when they can be incredibly valuable for streamlining workflows and solving complex challenges.We now offer training for ChatGPT Edu as well, giving campus users the guidance they need to get started. Together, these sessions help campus users get the most out of enterprise AI tools while using them responsibly and effectively. - From Pilot to Production
Copilot for Microsoft 365 moved from a pilot program to a full production service this year, a milestone in bringing more AI-powered productivity tools to campus. To support this transition, we recently introduced dedicated training sessions focused on helping campus users understand how to effectively use Copilot for Microsoft 365 within apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook. In addition, we’ve begun rolling out ChatGPT Edu, an eagerly awaited tool that many on campus have been looking forward to, bringing fresh ways to enhance teaching, learning, research, and administrative processes. We have training scheduled for this service as well and will continue to develop additional ways to support this and all other enterprise AI tool services. - Exploring New Frontiers
We continue to support chatbot pilots in HR, OneIT, and Enrollment Management, with plans to continue these efforts in the coming year. Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch a multi-model AI tool pilot, the Iowa AI Gateway, and explore additional tools that can best serve campus needs.
Why It Matters
AI isn’t just about technology; it’s about people, processes, and possibilities. Our role is to help the university navigate this ever-changing space with clarity and confidence. That means offering training, individual and group consultations, pilots, and more. And it means listening: if you have ideas or suggestions for tools or offerings, we want to hear them. Your input helps us ensure that what we do truly supports campus priorities. Please send us an email with your ideas or suggestions at ITS-AISupportTeam@uiowa.edu
Looking Ahead
2026 will bring new challenges and opportunities, and we’re ready to meet them together. Our commitment remains the same: to help expand understanding and implementation of AI when it makes sense, and to do so in ways that reflect the values and goals of the University of Iowa.