College Of Arts & Sciences Builds AI Fluency Through Faculty Workshop

LOGAN — The Utah State University College of Arts and Sciences is investing in faculty development around artificial intelligence through an “AI Fluency and Mindset Workshop” series designed to help instructors engage with emerging technologies in thoughtful, ethical, and effective ways.

Eighteen faculty members from 10 departments participated in the five-week workshop series this fall, which explored opportunities, limitations, and practical applications of AI in higher education. The initiative reflects the college's broader commitment to helping faculty and students adapt to a future in which AI could play an increasingly important role in learning, research, and the workplace.

"I was motivated to participate in the workshop because I feel a responsibility as an educator to broaden my understanding of the capabilities and limitations of AI models, as well as to learn to use AI effectively … to make informed decisions regarding its use in my teaching," said Missy Kofoed, senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. "I also felt it was important to have a deeper understanding of the technology current students are using."

Participant projects ranged from employing large language models to revise slide decks for new contexts and synthesizing articles to aid in the creation of timely student research proposals to identifying new vocabulary in pop songs used as instructional tools in a Japanese language course.

Zubair Barkat, AI teaching assistant for the college and a sociology doctoral candidate, led the workshop series, which emphasized hands-on learning and practical applications of artificial intelligence.

“AI fluency is more than knowing how to use AI tools. It is about asking better questions, evaluating AI-generated responses, and making informed decisions. Throughout the workshop, faculty practiced prompt engineering, worked with several teaching and research materials, and learned how to create customized AI assistants,” Barkat said. “What I found most meaningful was seeing faculty share ideas, learn from each other, and explore new ways to use AI in their own work. Throughout the workshop, we kept critical thinking, data privacy, academic integrity, and human judgment at the center of our learning activities.”

Participants will share examples of how they plan to apply workshop concepts in their teaching and research during a faculty showcase on from noon to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Mehdi Heravi Teaching and Learning Center. The event will include lunch and provide an opportunity to exchange ideas about the responsible use of AI in higher education. To RSVP, please visit: https://www.usu.edu/calendar/?id=105501&type=27

Barkat said he received guidance from Associate Professor Sean Johnson, the college’s associate dean for research and graduate studies. “Sean played a key role in designing and developing this workshop series,” he said, noting that the college saw real value in building AI fluency among faculty.

This November, Barkat has been asked to facilitate a university-wide AI Faculty Workshop Series offered through the Provost’s Office. Faculty can learn more about the workshops and register at https://www.usu.edu/ai/help-resources/faculty-workshop-series.In spring 2027, SOC 4500: AI Skills for Learning, Research, and Careers will be offered for undergraduate and graduate students.

By creating opportunities for faculty and students to engage with and evaluate AI tools, the College of Arts and Sciences aims to foster a culture of innovation while emphasizing ethical use and human expertise. College leaders view these efforts as a key component of supporting student success in a rapidly changing technological landscape.