AI & U | October  2026

Artificial intelligence is creating meaningful opportunities across the University of Utah. We are seeing its potential to enrich teaching and learning, accelerate research and innovation, and support the work of our staff and administrators.

Our focus is to help the University engage with AI thoughtfully and responsibly. That means building the knowledge, skills and practices to make informed choices about when and how these tools can add value, while keeping people, purpose and our shared values at the center.

I am inspired by the creativity and care already evident across our community. This newsletter features a recap of our recent AI Forum, stories of AI innovation across the U, and opportunities to learn through AI Foundations, workshops and events. I encourage you to explore the newsletter and find ways to engage.

Thank you for the feedback and ideas you continue to share. They are helping guide our next steps, including the launch of the AI + Ethics series. I hope you will join us for these conversations and consider sharing your work through the Crimson AI Challenge.

Together, we can shape an AI future that advances discovery, strengthens learning and serves our community.

 

Manish Parashar

Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer

University of Utah

Faculty, staff, researchers, and students recently gathered for the latest AI at the U Forum to explore emerging topics in artificial intelligence, learn about new University resources, and discuss responsible AI practices across research, teaching, and administrative work. The September forum featured presentations on the environmental considerations of generative AI, responsible AI use in scholarly work, and the University's updated AI Use Guidelines. 

Through workshops across Utah, Assistant Professor Tuba Yilmaz is helping educators combine AI tools with proven ESL teaching practices to better support multilingual learners.

Click through for the full story.

Teddy Wright, a student in the University of Utah's new AI major, is helping map AI's impact across the workforce through research with the Utah Department of Commerce Office of AI Policy.

Explore how this research is informing workforce planning, education, and public policy.

DBMI recently brought clinicians together for hands-on training in designing, building, and evaluating AI solutions for healthcare. 

Read the full story to learn more.

J. Michael Dean, a pediatrician, Professor Emeritus, and pioneer in clinical research, is now exploring how AI can help accelerate discovery and innovation.

Read the full story to learn how he's applying AI to research, lifelong learning, and problem-solving.

How is AI reshaping design education? Faculty, staff, and researchers in the College of Architecture and Planning recently explored the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities AI presents for teaching, research, and professional practice.

Explore key insights.

How are you putting AI into action? This fall launches the Crimson AI Challenge, inviting the university community to share impactful AI use cases across research, teaching and learning, and administrative operations. Selected participants across each category will be recognized and receive AI credits.

Read more and share your AI success story.

Join the first session of our quarterly AI + Ethics series on November 6th.

Open to all aspects of AI + Ethics, this session will feature experts exploring how generative AI intersects with intellectual property across domains. An open-problem session and ample time for discussion will support interdisciplinary connection and collaboration.

All are welcome.

Join us November 19th for the Student-led AI Symposium, putting student voices and experiences at the center of the AI conversation that too often leaves us out.

Students from all areas and tracks are welcome to submit to present at the conference.

This fall brings a variety of ways to engage with AI at the U. Explore the full schedule and details on the AI Events Calendar.

AI Community of Practice (4th Tuesday at 11 AM) – Connect with colleagues across campus to share AI work.

AI Tinker Lab (Tuesdays at 1 PM) – Practice, experiment, and receive individualized support.

AI Foundations (Thursdays at 1 PM) – Hands-on training open to all U of U community members.

AI Office Hours (Alternate Fridays at noon) – Drop in to brainstorm use cases, discuss best practices, get guidance, find collaborators and share ideas for new tools.

Responsible AI Community Consortium (last Friday of the month at 10 AM) 

AI at the U Forum (Wednesday, November 11)

Need support or have a question? We’re here to help.

The Office of Artificial Intelligence, led by Chief AI Officer Manish Parashar, supports the University of Utah in the responsible advancement and use of AI across learning, research, teaching, and operations. We help shape campus‑wide AI strategy, policy, and governance, and we partner with units across the university to review AI use cases, explore opportunities, and provide guidance on responsible implementation.

Our work is grounded in principles of human oversight, responsibility, security and privacy, accessibility, and critical thinking. The office is supported by a diverse AI Leadership Team that meets weekly to coordinate efforts and strengthen the university’s AI ecosystem.

We’re here for collaboration, questions, and support.