CMU’s Embracing AI initiative invites campus voices through listening sessions

Central Michigan University is taking bold steps to prepare for the future of artificial intelligence in higher education through its Embracing AI at CMU Go Grant initiative. Now, faculty, staff, and students are invited to help shape this work by sharing their perspectives in upcoming listening sessions.

Launched this fall with $47,500 in Go Grant funding, Embracing AI at CMU is led by a steering committee from across campus:

• Stephen Juris, Director, Institutional Assessment and Curriculum
• Gabrielle Likavec, Teaching and Learning Consultant
• Erica Johnson, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
• Ben Andera, Executive Director, Academic and Research Computing
• Joshua Smith, Professor of Philosophy and General Education Coordinator
• Jennifer Schisa, Professor of Biology, Interim Director of Graduate Studies

“AI is already reshaping higher education and the workplace,” Likavec said. “We want to make sure CMU students graduate ready to use it responsibly and ethically.”

The initiative focuses on three goals: creating recommendations for clear university policy on AI; recommendations for training programs to prepare faculty, staff, and students for ethical and responsible use; and strengthening AI infrastructure through a campus-wide pilot program.

Juris emphasized that the project’s goal is not to prescribe how AI must be used, but to provide resources and frameworks that help faculty, staff, and students use it effectively. “There’s a balance between providing guidance and giving people the freedom to make decisions in their classrooms and work,” he said.

To advance this work, three cross-campus workgroups were formed to address the initiative’s goals. These groups are working together to host listening sessions for campus stakeholders. Insights from the sessions will inform actionable recommendations that the initiative plans to share with university leadership by January 2026. “Your input is critical,” Juris shared. “These conversations will help ensure CMU’s approach to AI supports teaching, learning, and research while staying true to our mission and values.”

Listening sessions will include:

• A brief overview from the Embracing AI Go Grant workgroups.
• Small- and large-group discussions on AI policies, practices, and infrastructure needs.
• Anonymous note-capture opportunities for sensitive topics

Faculty Sessions will be held as follows:

• Tuesday, Oct. 14, 12–1 p.m. | Park Library 413D & Virtual
• Wednesday, Oct. 15, 4–5 p.m. | Park Library 413D & Virtual
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 2–3 p.m. | Park Library 413D & Virtual

Staff Sessions will be held as follows:

• Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2–3 p.m. | Park Library 413D & Virtual
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 10–11 a.m. | Park Library 413D & Virtual

Student session details will be announced soon.

Go Grants in Action is a year-long series that shares the stories of how CMU students, faculty and staff are making a positive impact on the people and communities we serve through the Go Grants initiative.