Sean Corp, Communications Lead
The Center for Academic Innovation is seeking proposals that support life-changing education by creating non-credit and for-credit online courses and integrating online content and artificial intelligence technologies into for-credit curricular and cocurricular programs.
Faculty from the Ann Arbor campus are eligible to submit a proposal for an online non-credit program, a for-credit online and hybrid degree program, a graduate certificate, or other for-credit pathways. Academic units are also invited to partner with the center to optimize existing online and hybrid degree programs. Ann Arbor faculty are also eligible to submit a proposal on innovative applications of AI in teaching and learning.
Faculty from the UM-Ann Arbor, UM-Dearborn, or UM-Flint campuses are eligible to submit a proposal to incorporate existing Michigan Online digital learning resources, including U-M open online courses and Google professional certificates, into new or existing online, hybrid, or residential courses, programs, or cocurricular experiences.
Each awarded project would be eligible for financial and in-kind implementation support from the Center for Academic Innovation through the university’s Academic Innovation Fund.
“When the world looks to Michigan, they see a university committed to life-changing education and to reimagining how learning is delivered,” said James DeVaney, special advisor to the president, founding executive director of the Center for Academic Innovation, and associate vice provost for academic innovation.
“Through this call for proposals, we invite faculty innovators and school leaders to shape bold new online and AI-enabled learning experiences that expand access, strengthen student success, and prepare learners for the future. Together, we will ensure that a Michigan education continues to inspire and transform lives across our campuses and around the globe.”
Faculty, school, and college representatives are required to attend a consultation session with center staff before submitting a proposal. Staff will guide and strengthen proposals before final submission. Interested faculty can learn more about the open call and learn from the center and faculty experts at the Online Learning Showcase.
The showcase on Oct. 22 is an opportunity to learn more about how online education is transforming teaching and learning. This year’s showcase will feature a keynote address from Grow with Google founder Lisa Gevelber and opportunities to learn more about non-credit and for-credit programs, certificates, and learning portfolios.
Michigan Online Content Integration
Faculty can use Michigan Online digital resources to broaden access and enhance the residential student experience. Sample integration opportunities could include sharing supplemental content with your established course material; embedding Michigan Online learning modules or certificates into existing courses; enhancing cocurricular programs, learning communities, or student success initiatives; diversifying expertise in course or cocurricular learning experiences; and supporting outreach, alumni engagement, or professional development efforts.
Proposal deadline is Nov. 21. Learn more about the Michigan Online Content Integration Call for Proposals.
Online Non-Credit Programs
Faculty are invited to submit online non-credit proposals for courses, course series, or certificate programs that help global learners advance their careers and improve their lives. Priority will be given to proposals integrating digital tools that support areas including workforce innovation, evolving fields and job functions, sustainability and societal impact, human potential and transformative communication, and evolving technology and engineering disciplines.
Proposal deadline is Nov. 21. Learn more about the Online Non-Credit Programs Call for Proposals.
Online For-Credit Programs
New Submissions:
Academic units are invited to submit proposals to collaborate on developing new for-credit online and hybrid degree programs, graduate certificates, and other for-credit pathways. Proposal considerations include the expected reach and impact of the online learning portfolio concept, which would broaden access and create new pathways for learners. Online learning portfolios could include a combination of short-form online content, open online courses designed to be completed within 5-20 hours, and certificate programs that provide pathways to advanced degree attainment, including non-credit and for-credit opportunities; fully online or hybrid degree programs.
Optimizing Existing Programs:
Academic units seeking to optimize existing online and hybrid degree programs also have the opportunity to partner with the center to streamline program operations, optimize data-informed practices, enhance best practices, improve accessibility and quality, and better align programs with institutional goals.
Proposal deadline is Dec. 18. Learn more about the Online For-Credit Programs Call for Proposals.
Artificial Intelligence Implementation
Faculty are encouraged to submit proposals that leverage artificial intelligence tools to create new pathways for student success. Encouraged proposals include early stage ideas, pilots and test cases that explore AI’s potential in transforming how students learn, collaborate, and engage with course content.
Proposal deadline is January 16, 2026. Learn more about the Artificial Intelligence Implementation Call for Proposals.
The Center for Academic Innovation website provides more information about the showcase and all calls for proposals, including project priority areas, funding and support, eligibility, consultation dates, submission requirements, and frequently asked questions.
