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As part of its efforts to advance the use of artificial intelligencer (AI), Auburn University has been featured in a new case study published by Microsoft highlighting the institution’s work to spearhead innovation and bolstering AI literacy across its academic, research and administrative endeavors.

Released this month, the publication demonstrates Auburn’s ongoing collaboration with the technology leader, spotlighting the university’s commitment to weaving AI tools like Microsoft Copilot into the campus community. By operating across various departments and accentuating the university’s unified strategy for the tactical incorporation of the technology, the case study showcases Auburn’s ability to boost operational efficiency while harnessing the growing engagement of students and faculty using AI.

"We're on the frontier of campuses that have explored the benefits of AI to our mission and work," said Provost Vini Nathan. "The opportunity to be featured by Microsoft demonstrates how Auburn is serving as a model for AI integration and leading innovation that can be adopted by others."

As universities continue to grapple with how to integrate AI, many are looking to institutions like Auburn, which has found early success in its AI implementation. With an approach that blends access to technology with the cultivation of AI literacy among its community members, Auburn’s commitment to providing essential training and resources is a collaborative endeavor championed by several units, most notably the Biggio Center, the Office of Information Technology and the Provost’s Office. Working together, these groups have crafted a holistic innovation strategy aimed at democratizing access to AI technologies and amplifying educational and economic opportunities using cutting-edge AI tools.

As Auburn University continues to fuel interest in AI and encourage its stakeholders to apply it in innovative ways, the study also underscores the institution’s ability to prepare stakeholders for future trends that will undoubtedly influence both academic and professional landscapes.

“Auburn faculty and students are taking the challenges and opportunities that artificial intelligence presents head-on,” Asim Ali, executive director of Auburn’s Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, said. “We are pleased to collaborate with companies like Microsoft to provide access to the latest tools as we continue our exploration of AI.”

In 2022, the Biggio Center partnered with AI@AU, a campus-wide initiative aimed at strengthening the university’s infrastructure for AI research and education. Among its programs, the unit developed an immersive course aimed at empowering Auburn faculty to seamlessly weave generative AI into their coursework and activities. After witnessing its success on campus, the center promptly extended the ‘Teaching with AI’ course to all institutions within the Southeastern Conference. In 2024, the course was integrated into the Alabama Two-Year System, serving as a valuable resource for over 25 institutions in the Alabama Community College System. To date, more than 10,000 professionals from around the world have enrolled in the course.

The case study also highlights Auburn’s commitment to fostering an environment where students and faculty can confront and overcome emerging AI challenges. This commitment was exemplified in the university’s inaugural AI Day, held in January 2024. The event, a collaborative effort that included engagement from Microsoft and Salesforce, attracted over 800 participants and served as a platform for students, faculty and staff to engage in insightful seminars and discussions on both the ethics and future of AI. Attendees had the unique opportunity to visit with industry professionals and participate in discussions on the ethical use of AI and its applications in classrooms, showcasing tools such as Copilot for resume crafting and Salesforce for understanding data analytics.

The Case Study can be accessed here.