Exploring AI at the University of Redlands

Dear Faculty and Staff,
 
As we continue to embrace innovation across the University, I want to share how we are exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to support and enhance our work. When used thoughtfully and responsibly, AI can serve as a powerful tool to help us better serve our students, simplify routine operations, and open new possibilities across our campus and beyond. This effort also reflects one of our core institutional values of exploration. By leaning into this value, we can approach AI not with apprehension, but with curiosity, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose.

As we begin this work, you will have three meaningful opportunities to be involved throughout the coming academic year.

The University has invested in two comprehensive AI training modules developed by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), of which we are a member. The first, called Program I, offers a one-hour, synchronous class once a week for three weeks, tailored for specific campus departments or areas. While sessions are live, they will also be recorded for those who may need to watch them later. Open to all faculty and staff, these monthly sessions will begin on Tuesdays in August 2025 and continue on a monthly basis through June 2026, with different groups invited to participate each month. The purpose of this training is to demystify AI, build confidence, and explore practical ways it can support your everyday work. More information is on the CIC website. If you visit the website for informational purposes, do not click Sign Up Now or on any of the registration buttons. More details about how to register will be shared soon via the Vice President of your division.

CIC’s Program II will provide a deeper dive for those who are already embedded in AI – or want to be. Program II involves assembling a 30-person cohort of Redlands faculty and staff to work monthly with CIC on AI practices and techniques. Our U of R cohort will stay together as a unit throughout the academic year and work with CIC and 29 cohorts from other institutions. There will be asynchronous and synchronous work, with a 90-minute meeting on the second Tuesday of every month. If you have an interest in being selected for our UofR - CIC AI cohort, please apply here by August 15, 2025.

The third opportunity is one you will hear more about soon: a University-wide effort focused on embedding AI across our academic and operational landscape. The committee will be co-led by CAS Dean Justin Rose and Woodbury School of Architecture Dean Heather Flood. We are finalizing the committee charge now and will be in touch soon about this effort.

I look forward to engaging in this important work together. Please stay tuned for more updates in the weeks ahead. Thank you for all you do to help our University lead in this critical moment of change.

Sincerely,

Krista L. Newkirk
President