The AI for ImpaCT initiative aims to ensure that UConn remains a trusted resource for Connecticut, helping people understand, adapt to, and shape a future in which AI plays an ever-increasing role
Artificial intelligence (AI) has raised big questions for higher education, employers, policymakers, and communities. How should AI be used in the classroom? What skills will students need in an AI-enabled workforce? How can organizations take advantage of new technologies while addressing concerns about privacy, ethics, and trust? Answers to these questions are already being explored across UConn, the state's flagship, land- and sea-grant university.
Led by the Division of Academic Affairs and the Provost's Office, UConn is launching a comprehensive initiative called "AI for ImpaCT." AI for ImpaCT is focused on advancing artificial intelligence best practices across education, research, innovation, public engagement, and workforce development. As the state's flagship public research university, UConn is uniquely positioned to bring together expertise from across disciplines to help students, employers, communities, and policymakers understand both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
According to interim provost Pamir Alpay, AI for ImpaCT will connect AI-related work already underway across the University while creating a structure to support collaboration, share resources, and identify emerging priorities. "The future of AI will depend not only on technological innovation, but on how we apply it" says Alpay. "Through AI for ImpaCT, we will work to ensure that we integrate AI thoughtfully into our teaching, learning, and research to support academic excellence and promote positive life-long outcomes for our students."
The initiative is also connected to UConn's role in helping Connecticut navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape. Through AI for ImpaCT, UConn is creating opportunities for learning, research, and workforce development that will benefit communities across Connecticut.
Alpay has appointed Professor David Bergman, associate dean for faculty and research in the School of Business and professor of operations and information management, as the Provost's Special Advisor on Artificial Intelligence. In this role, Bergman will advise senior leaders on issues related to teaching, research, workforce development, and university operations. He will also work with the provost's office to coordinate AI for ImpaCT and will chair a new AI Council composed of representatives from across UConn, including faculty, staff, and students.
A longtime researcher in optimization, machine learning, and automated decision-making, Bergman's work has focused on connecting technical expertise with practical applications in education, industry, and organizational decision-making. He has helped lead several AI-related initiatives at UConn, including playing a key role in developing the University's new AI for Business graduate certificate and supporting efforts such as AI Day in collaboration with the City of Hartford. He also created an AI teaching tool called ThoughtAmp that helps instructors better understand how students engage with AI-powered learning activities.
Bergman said he is eager to help UConn expand its leadership in AI while ensuring the technology is used thoughtfully and responsibly:
"I am honored to serve the university in this role and excited to help advance UConn's leadership in this rapidly evolving space. AI presents extraordinary opportunities to enhance teaching, accelerate research, prepare students for the workforce of the future, and deepen our impact on society. I look forward to working with colleagues across the university to ensure we approach AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and ambitiously."
AI for ImpaCT builds on a growing portfolio of AI-related work already underway across UConn. Recent efforts include new courses designed to build AI literacy among students, workforce development programs that help professionals gain practical AI skills, and research initiatives exploring applications of AI .
Alpay sees opportunities to strengthen partnerships with Connecticut employers and organizations as AI continues to reshape industries across the state. "More and more, employers are sharing with us their need for graduates who are AI literate," he says. "Through collaborations with industry and corporate partners, our faculty and researchers can support innovation and help their businesses stay competitive."
Looking ahead, AI for ImpaCT will support development of new academic programs, expanded workforce development opportunities, interdisciplinary research collaborations, and guidance around the responsible use of AI.
