The University of Colorado (CU) system is launching three new awards and grants to encourage faculty innovation with artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative, organized by the CU Office of Academic Affairs in partnership with the Office of the President, aims to support creative uses of AI in teaching, learning, scholarly work, and creative projects across all CU campuses.
The three opportunities include two recognition awards and one grant. The “CU System AI Recognition Award: AI for Teaching & Learning” will honor faculty who use AI in their courses to improve student learning outcomes beyond individual classrooms. According to the announcement, “By recognizing and rewarding creative, effective uses of AI in pedagogy that produce meaningful student outcomes, the University of Colorado system aims to foster a culture of innovation and excellence in AI-enhanced teaching.” Faculty eligible for this award include tenure or tenure-track faculty as well as full-time and instructional series faculty. Nominations are open until March 30, 2026.
A second recognition award, titled “CU System AI Recognition Award: AI for Scholarly & Creative Work,” will highlight faculty whose use of AI leads to significant advances in their academic fields. As stated by the university, “By acknowledging and rewarding impactful applications of AI in scholarship and creative practice, the University of Colorado system aims to cultivate a culture of innovation among its faculty.” This award shares the same eligibility criteria and nomination deadline as the first.
The third opportunity is the “CU System Sprint Grant: AI for Teaching & Learning.” This grant provides resources for faculty seeking to implement innovative teaching strategies using AI within a single course. The program is designed as a ‘sprint’ to keep pace with rapid developments in artificial intelligence technology. Applications are due by March 30, 2026.
Faculty interested in these programs can contact the Office of Academic Affairs for more information.
