Building AI-Capable Institutions: Implementation Tools for Higher Education shifts the narrative of AI in higher education from disruptions and challenges to proven, real-world results. Three case studies demonstrate how colleges and universities are successfully harnessing AI to accelerate student success, boost college completion rates, and transform teaching and learning—without requiring massive budgets or complete institutional overhauls.
The playbook features detailed case studies from the University of Louisiana System, University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Arizona State University, showcasing innovative approaches that range from system-wide AI literacy microcredentials serving over 82,000 students to targeted faculty mini-grant programs fostering cross-disciplinary innovation. Each case study provides insights into both successes and challenges, paired with tactical lessons learned and practical tips for implementation. The case studies show how targeted initiatives can create meaningful impact while thoughtfully addressing critical concerns around equity, ethics, and academic integrity.
Along with its case studies, Building AI-Capable Institutions is a practical toolkit for action. The publication includes six ready-to-use resources that institutions can adapt to their own contexts:
- An AI literacy brainstorming guide
- Curated reading list
- Mini-grant proposal forms
- Faculty fellow job descriptions
- Innovation challenge templates
- Evaluation rubrics.
Whether you’re launching an AI literacy program, creating a faculty grant initiative, or developing an innovation challenge, these tested tools provide to help your students thrive in an AI-enabled world.