Sean Corp, Associate Director of Communications
As generative artificial intelligence continues to reshape higher education, faculty across the University of Michigan are exploring new ways to incorporate the technology into teaching, course design, and student learning. While applications vary by discipline, many instructors are asking the same questions: How can AI improve learning? What role should it play in the classroom? And how can it be used ethically and responsibly?
The Center for Academic Innovation’s Generative AI Faculty Forum series creates a space for faculty to explore those questions together.
Held throughout the 2026–27 academic year, the four-part series brings faculty together for peer-led conversations about how generative AI is being applied in real courses and learning experiences. Each 90-minute forum features two faculty members sharing their work before opening the discussion to questions, conversation, and networking with colleagues from across the university.
“Faculty engage with generative AI with thoughtful experimentation, exploring what is possible and can add value to teaching and learning,” said Patrice Prusko, director of learning design at the center, and co-organizer of the series. “The Faculty Forum gives instructors an opportunity to learn directly from colleagues who are trying new approaches, openly discussing what’s working, what’s challenging, and how they’re thinking about responsible implementation.”
Generative AI Faculty Forum Themes
AI Roleplay and Simulation
Wednesday, Oct. 28
John Knight (School of Nursing) and Barb Hiltz (School of Social Work) will explore how AI-powered roleplay and simulation can create engaging learning experiences while examining student engagement, learning impact, and return on investment.
AI for Course Design/Redesign
Monday, Dec. 14
Kevin Miller (School of Education) and Frederique Laubepin (School of Public Health) will discuss how they use generative AI to redesign courses while supporting academic integrity, student feedback, grading, and course administration.
AI Tutoring and Socratic Prompting
Tuesday, Feb. 9
Yang Chen (LSA Department of Statistics) and Pete Bodary (School of Kinesiology) will examine how AI tutoring and Socratic prompting can strengthen learner engagement, feedback, and individualized learning.
AI-Assisted Grading and Feedback
Monday, April 19
Xu Wang (School of Information) and Dave Bridges (School of Public Health) will share how they are using AI to support assessment and feedback while considering integrity, originality, and effective instructional practice.
Peer Learning and Practical Strategies
Although each session focuses on a different application of generative AI, they share a common goal: helping faculty learn from one another’s experiences, exchange practical strategies, and thoughtfully evaluate how AI can enhance teaching and learning.
“AI is evolving quickly, and so are the questions faculty are asking,” said Julien Depauw, director of the center’s edtech accelerator, and co-organizer of the series. “By bringing educators together to share what they’re learning, we can build practices that are both innovative and grounded in sound pedagogy.”
The Generative AI Faculty Forum is part of the Center for Academic Innovation’s broader 2026–27 event series exploring the future of higher education. Together with the AI Futures keynote speaker Series, Online Learning Showcase, and Innovation Blend series, the collection of opportunities provides faculty with an ongoing opportunity to exchange ideas, reflect on emerging technologies, and help shape the future of teaching and learning at the university.
