The University of Colorado (CU) system has announced the introduction of three new awards and grants aimed at encouraging faculty innovation in the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative is a collaboration between the CU system Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of the President, and it targets teaching, learning, scholarly, and creative work across all CU campuses.
According to a statement from the university, “By championing bold, creative uses of AI toward compelling learning outcomes and impactful scholarly and creative work, the University of Colorado is cultivating a dynamic culture of innovation and excellence across all CU campuses.”
The new opportunities include two recognition awards—one for innovative use of AI in teaching and learning, another for AI applications in scholarly and creative work—and an “AI Sprint Grant” focused on enhancing course outcomes through AI-driven teaching practices.
The CU System AI Recognition Award: AI for Teaching & Learning will honor faculty who demonstrate innovative approaches to using AI in their courses that result in measurable improvements in student learning. The university states that recipients’ work should also have an impact beyond individual classes. Eligibility extends to tenure or tenure-track faculty as well as full-time instructional series faculty. Nominations are open until March 30, 2026.
Similarly, the CU System AI Recognition Award: AI for Scholarly & Creative Work will recognize faculty whose use of artificial intelligence leads to significant outcomes within their academic fields. The eligibility criteria are identical to those for the teaching award, with nominations due by March 30, 2026.
The third opportunity is the CU System Sprint Grant: AI for Teaching & Learning. This grant supports projects that aim to improve student performance by implementing innovative pedagogical strategies involving AI within a single course. According to the university’s announcement, “This grant is designed to provide faculty with the resources and time needed to develop and implement AI-driven pedagogical strategies for the specific purpose of increasing student performance relative to the learning goals/outcomes of a single course.” Applications are due by March 30, 2026.
Faculty interested in these opportunities can contact the Office of Academic Affairs for more information.
