Advance URI through innovative technology solutions.
Virtual reality, augmented reality, visualization, AI, and Quantum all have the potential to radically reshape and enhance all aspects of URI. From computational research to new digitally enhanced learning modalities, digital will be reshaping the delivery of the academic core mission. New, AI-based tools hold the potential to radically reshape all client interactions and automate routine tasks, while digitally enhanced communities of shared interest can transform the student experience.
Goal 1
Empower URI faculty and researchers to conduct cutting-edge computationally driven research.
- Continue to build a sustained network of regional and national partnerships that support computational research at URI.
- Create a School of Computing (alongside other academic partners including specific A&S Departments and potentially others) to develop interdisciplinary academic/research programs in computational science broadly (undergrad/grad) and associated support/collaboration entities from within ITS.
- Enhance the URI Center of Computational Research to become a regional center of excellence for research computing for both scholars and industry.
- Build a community of scholars interested and engaged with computational research in HPC, AI, and Quantum computing.
- Build a sustained program of internship and applied learning opportunities for URI students to engage with computational research, building a pipeline for future scholars and support staff.
- Enhance the ability of URI researchers to store and process large volumes of research data/publications/products in full compliance with funding agency mandates.
- Facilitate and assist faculty both at URI and other institutions to make the most effective and efficient use of computation to accelerate their work.
Goal 2
Expand and enhance IT support of digital teaching and learning.
- Advance digital learning access: increase the use of universal and digital design approaches that expand access to learning resources.
- Pilot Innovation: Every year over the next five years, fund and implement two small pilot programs empowering faculty to experiment with digital tools focused on enhancing learning outcomes.
- Expand the Innovative Learning Technologies Program to increase faculty participation and student engagement in the use of digital technologies in the classroom, while providing additional resources and support to develop effective digital materials.
Goal 3
Expand the use of AI technologies to streamline and enhance all aspects of URI.
- Implement AI in customer service-facing roles.
- Provide a streamlined AI/Chatbot feature that can correspond 24/7 with users/students to answer commonly asked questions.