Office of the President

September 21, 2026

 Dear colleagues, 
 
Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of the CT State AI Academy and invite full-time faculty and staff across our twelve campuses to apply for the 2026–27 cohort. 
 
The AI Academy represents an important next step in CT State’s work with artificial intelligence. Our Presidential AI Fellowship demonstrated what is possible when our faculty and staff have the time, support, and opportunity to build meaningful capability with AI. The AI Academy takes that learning further: it creates a structured pathway for colleagues to develop AI fluency, help others build their skills, and apply AI thoughtfully to the academic and operational work of our college. 
 
This is not a program about adopting technology for technology’s sake. It is about developing the human capability to use AI effectively, ethically, and with sound judgment. Our approach is grounded in a simple principle: AI is a resource that supports but never replaces human judgment in teaching, learning, and the work of the college. 

Five levels, designed for different kinds of work 
 
The AI Academy offers five levels across the 2026–27 cohort: 

• Level 1 · AI Guide · The common foundation for faculty and staff. No prior AI experience is required. 
• Level 2 · Master Coach and Trainer · For colleagues ready to coach peers and deliver AI training on their home campus. 
• Level 3 · Academic AI Innovation Leader · For colleagues who will redesign courses, assessments, and learning experiences around AI-supported practice. 
• Level 4 · Organizational Transformation · For colleagues who will examine operational processes and explore how appropriately governed AI tools may improve service, effectiveness, and the employee experience.
• Level 5 · President’s AI Champion · An advanced strategic role selected through presidential nomination.