Across campus, units are exploring artificial intelligence with a mix of enthusiasm and uncertainty. Some have clear ideas they want to test, while others are still considering how AI might fit into existing workflows.
The AI Pathways and AI Explorer Grants programs are designed to support both—offering facilitated guidance and hands-on experimentation.
AI Pathways: Facilitated support for departments and units
AI Pathways is a structured engagement for departments and administrative units seeking facilitated support to identify high-value opportunities for AI in their work.
Through a series of focused conversations, the AI Support Team in Information Technology Services (ITS) helps teams examine current workflows, assess feasibility and risk, and define realistic next steps.
Most AI Pathways engagements move from initial ideas to next steps within three to four weeks.
To apply, visit the AI Pathways page.
Participation does not require formal approval. However, outcomes that involve procurement, sensitive data, or broader institutional impact are routed through existing review and governance processes.
To ensure broad access and fair sequencing, requests are evaluated using a prioritization rubric that considers strategic alignment, potential impact, readiness, feasibility, and equitable access across campus units.
AI Explorer Grants: Six-month ChatGPT Edu licenses for targeted experiments
The AI Explorer Grants program provides a limited number of fully funded, six-month ChatGPT Edu licenses to individuals or small teams with a specific, well-defined idea to test.
Use cases may include streamlining repetitive tasks, drafting or summarizing content more efficiently, analyzing information in new ways, or exploring innovative administrative or research workflows.
To apply, visit the AI Explorer Grants page and submit a short micro-proposal describing the task you want to improve, how you plan to use ChatGPT Edu, and what success will look like within six months. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis using a scoring rubric that evaluates feasibility, impact, alignment with university AI guidance, and clarity of outcomes.
Selected participants receive a six-month license, access to guidance from the AI Support Team, and reminders as the license period approaches expiration. Participants are also asked to share brief reflections on what they learn, helping the university better understand where AI tools deliver meaningful value.
Both programs align with the university’s responsible AI guidance. Activities involving protected health information, UI Health Care users, student classroom use, or work misaligned with current guidance are not eligible for AI Explorer Grants at this time.
Questions? Contact the ITS AI Support Team.