LibreChat is a pilot program making generative AI easy and accessible for the URI community. Whether you’re brainstorming, creating content, or simplifying tasks, LibreChat brings powerful AI tools together in one easy-to-use platform.

You can choose from a variety of large language models – tailored for everything from creative projects to data analysis to idea exploration.

Want to try LibreChat? If you’re not already enrolled, you can request access using the steps outlined in the Access tab on this page.

Executive Lead

Karen Lokey

Technical Lead

Karen Lokey
karen_lokey@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Innovation

About the Service:

Features

  • Easy to Use: The platform is designed to be simple and straightforward, so anyone can start using generative AI without needing technical skills.
  • Multiple AI Options: You can pick from different top AI tools, like those from OpenAI, depending on what you need—whether it’s writing help, creativity, or research.
  • Personalized Experience: Adjust settings and add features to make LibreChat work the way you want.

Access

Requesting Access:

  • To join the pilot of LibreChat, submit an access request:
    • Visit the Access Request Page.
    • Click “Continue” and provide a brief justification for your use of LibreChat (e.g., “As faculty, I plan to explore how to use it to __________.”).

Login Instructions:

  • Once approved, you will receive an email confirmation.
  • Access LibreChat through this link or by selecting the LibreChat tile on the MyApps portal.

Secure Access:

  • Use your URI Single Sign-On (SSO) credentials to log in.
  • For added security, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required to verify your identity.

Support & Training

Resources:

 

Welcome to the University of Rhode Island (URI) community! Whether you’re a new student, a current student, faculty, staff, or a visitor, we are excited to introduce you to Rhody Connect, the all-in-one mobile app designed to enhance your experience at URI. Available for download on both Apple and Android devices, Rhody Connect brings a wealth of information and resources right to your fingertips. Let’s dive into some of its key features that are tailored for everyone at URI.

Download and Install Rhody Connect

Getting started with Rhody Connect is easy! Simply click on the appropriate link below to download the app directly to your mobile device:

Upon opening Rhody Connect for the first time, you’ll be prompted to choose one of four user personas that best fit your role at URI.

Choose Your Persona

New Student

Guiding You on the Rhode to Becoming a Ram If you’re an admitted or newly matriculated student, this persona is for you. It includes a complete toolkit designed to ease your transition into university life:

  • To-Do Lists: Stay on top of important tasks and deadlines with personalized, interactive checklists.
  • Campus Tours: Access both in-person and virtual tours to familiarize yourself with the campus.
  • Interactive Campus Map: Find buildings, departments, and parking information with ease, and use your device’s integrated wayfinding to get to where you want to be.
  • Welcome Day, Orientation, and O-Week Information: Get details on New Student events and create your personalized agendas to kickstart your journey at URI. Rhody Connect is the primary day-of resource for New Student events.

Current Student

Your Campus Companion For current students, this persona offers essential features to navigate and make the most of campus life:

  • Interactive Campus Map: Easily locate buildings and services and use your device’s integrated wayfinding to get to where you want to be.
  • Dining Menus: Check out what’s being served today in the dining halls.
  • Virtual ID Card: Access your ID card digitally, add funds to your Ram account, and see where the Ram Card is accepted.
  • Student and Staff Directories: Find contact information for peers and faculty.
  • Laundry Connect Integration: Monitor laundry machine availability and status.
  • Real-time Shuttle Tracking: View shuttle schedules, current locations, and arrival times.
  • Events Calendar: Stay updated on campus events and activities.
  • Customizable “My Menu”: Add your most-used links to the top of the menu.
  • Favorites: Create a Favorites menu with deep links to your most-used pages. Favorited data sources that support live snippets (for example, Transit and Dining Menus) now display real-time data for at-a-glance viewing.

Faculty/Staff

Supporting URI Employees This persona is tailored for URI employees, providing access to tools and resources to facilitate your work:

  • PeopleSoft: Access your HR and payroll information.
  • Brightspace: Access your course information.
  • Paystub RI: View and manage your paystubs.
  • Maintenance: Submit a Work Order Request form.

Future updates will include password-protected features for enhanced functionality.

Visitor

Explore URI Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning alum, Rhody Connect helps you explore the campus and stay informed:

  • Why Choose URI: Learn about what makes URI so special, and where anything is possible.
  • Campus Services: Discover the services available to visitors.
  • Event Information: Learn about upcoming events and activities on campus.
  • Campus Exploration: Navigate the campus with ease and find points of interest.

Collaboration Opportunities

The Rhody Connect admins are looking to collaborate with administrative and academic departments through multiple channels:

  • Promote a Special Event: Feature a banner on the home page and optionally create an interactive module with event details, schedule, and/or registration.
  • Integrate Rhody Connect into Classwork: Use the platform as a tool for students to apply hands-on design and programming skills by creating new app modules.
  • Sponsor an Ideathon at URI: Host a 24-hour hackathon-style event challenging students to create mobile app ideas and prototypes. This can help students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, develop entrepreneurial skills, and interact with real companies. For a success story, see The Ideathon: Sparking Innovation at the University of Houston.
  • The SEED Program – a Modo Labs Paid Internship: Learn more on LinkedIn.

Comprehensive Information at Your Fingertips

Rhody Connect is designed to provide the entire URI community with a full range of up-to-date information. Here’s a snapshot of what you can access:

  • Dining Menus: Plan your meals with up-to-date menus from campus dining facilities.
  • Maps: Navigate the campus effortlessly with interactive maps.
  • Calendars: Stay informed about important dates and events.
  • Visitor Information: Essential info for making the most of your visit to URI.
  • Transportation: Track shuttles and find transportation options.
  • eCampus Connect: Rhody Connect’s integration with PeopleSoft provides at-a-glance, widget-based information, as well as detailed screens that allow users to view and manage essential information.
  • Libraries: Access library resources and information.
  • Campus Directory: Find contact information for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Recreation: Discover recreational activities and facilities and register for classes.
  • Safety: Stay safe with quick access to emergency contacts and safety information, plus a comprehensive directory of wellbeing and support services available at URI.
  • Sports and Entertainment: Get the latest on Rhody Rams sports and entertainment events.
  • Admissions: Information for prospective students.
  • News: Stay updated with the latest news from URI.

Stay Connected Your Way

Rhody Connect provides a wide variety of opt-in channels for you to receive alerts and notifications on specific topics like dining updates, student employment, and more. Choose the channels that are important to you and opt-in to receive their messages.

We Want Your Feedback

If you have ideas for enhancements or improvements, or if you find a bug, contact the IT Innovation group via the App Support link at the bottom of the Rhody Connect home page or email urimobile@uri.edu.

Download Rhody Connect today and start exploring all the features that make it an essential tool for navigating life at URI. Whether you’re joining us for the first time, continuing your journey, or visiting our beautiful campus, Rhody Connect is here to support you every step of the way.

We are delighted to share the highlights of an incredible summer program hosted at the University of Rhode Island’s AI Lab, organized in collaboration with the Capeverdean American Community Development (CACD) and supported by the United Way of Rhode Island. This program was thoughtfully designed to provide students of all ages with engaging, enriching experiences that foster creativity, learning, and personal growth.

Exciting Activities and Hands-On Learning

Under the expert guidance of our esteemed faculty member Indrani Mandal and facilitated by our dedicated student team members Madhukara Kekulandara, Brian Materne, and Victoria Smith, campers participated in a variety of innovative activities that made their visit both educational and fun. Some of these were:

  1. Writing Prompts to Generate Images: Campers explored the fascinating world of AI-generated art by using writing prompts to create unique and imaginative images. This activity not only sparked their creativity but also gave them a glimpse into the capabilities of modern AI technology.
  2. Image Recognition Games: Engaging in games like rock, paper, scissors, campers learned how AI can be trained to recognize and respond to different images. This hands-on experience provided a playful yet insightful introduction to the principles of image recognition and machine learning.
  3. Robot Control: Campers had the opportunity to control a robot’s movements. This activity was a hit, as campers marveled at their ability to command a robot to perform various tasks.
  4. Binary Code Beaded Bracelets: In a creative fusion of art and technology, campers made beaded bracelets using binary code to represent their initials. This activity not only introduced them to the basics of binary coding but also allowed them to create a personalized keepsake from their visit.

Community and Collaboration

The success of this summer program was made possible by the generous support of the United Way of Rhode Island and the collaborative efforts of our faculty and facilitators. It was a true community effort, bringing together resources and expertise to provide a memorable experience for the campers.

Reflections and Feedback

The enthusiasm and engagement of the campers were palpable throughout the program. Many expressed that their visit to the AI Lab was the highlight of their campus experience. Their curiosity and eagerness to learn were truly inspiring, and we are proud to have been a part of their educational journey.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on the success of this summer program, we are excited about the future possibilities for collaboration and community engagement. The URI AI Lab remains committed to providing innovative learning experiences that inspire and empower students.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this program a resounding success. We look forward to welcoming more students and continuing to foster a love for learning and discovery through technology.

Stay tuned for more exciting programs and opportunities from the URI AI Lab!

EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association that supports those who lead, manage, deploy, and use information technology at every level within higher education.

As an EDUCAUSE member organization, staff across our organization have access to EDUCAUSE member benefits.

Executive Lead

Karen Lokey

Technical Lead

Karen Lokey

Support Team

ITS Innovation

About the Service:

Features

Benefits of EDUCAUSE membership include:

Research, Publications, and Analytics Services:
Access to cutting-edge research, data, analytics, and benchmarking services, toolkits, and publications on issues, technologies, and trends in higher education.

Professional Development:
Management and leadership skills training through the EDUCAUSE Institute and peer mentoring, as well as volunteer opportunities to contribute to the profession. Special pricing is available for all programs and services, including registration for online and face-to-face events on a wide range of topics such as enterprise IT, information security, teaching and learning, and more.

Topic-Based Communities:
Opportunities to make connections with peers from around the world through topic-based events and online communities.

Access

Walk Through: How to Apply for an EDUCAUSE login

How to Get the Most Out of EDUCAUSE Membership

Follow the steps below to learn how to maximize your benefits:

  1. Create an EDUCAUSE Profile or log in:
    Create a profile to help tailor your member experience to your interests. Keep your profile up-to-date to be alerted of relevant resources and developments.
  2. Explore EDUCAUSE Membership Orientation:
    Discover some of the top tools and most popular resources EDUCAUSE members are using—curated for your area of interest.
  3. Join online community groups:
    These member-driven peer groups are perfect for sharing your ideas and expertise, finding solutions to pressing issues you’re facing, and exploring common interests.

Support & Training

Submit a ticket or attend a drop-in to report bugs or errors.

Learn More:

How to Apply for an EDUCAUSE Login

Detailed instructions that walk you through getting your EDUCAUSE login through the University of Rhode Island.

Get Your Account

EDUCAUSE Membership Orientation

This page gives you a quick and easy way to get to know some of EDUCAUSE’s programs and services.

Membership orientation

7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Membership

Check out seven practical ways to engage with the vast collection of EDUCAUSE programs and resources.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

 

As we step into the new academic year, we are thrilled to share our exciting journey toward integrating generative AI technologies into our university’s ecosystem. This transformative initiative aims to enhance learning, teaching, and administrative processes. We invite you to be a part of this innovative transition.

Shared Values and Goals

Commitment to Innovation

Our pursuit of generative AI technologies underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence. By integrating these advanced tools, we aim to create a more dynamic and efficient university environment, fostering creativity and problem-solving.

Emphasis on Data Security

Data security and privacy are paramount as we adopt AI technologies. We are in negotiations for enterprise licenses that provide enhanced protection for our data. However, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that sensitive information is not compromised. Adhere to best practices for data security and adhere to URI IT Security Policies in all AI-related activities. 

While negotiating enterprise licenses that offer greater data protection, it is crucial to exercise caution and handle data responsibly, even within a protected AI environment. Avoid entering personally identifiable information (PII), confidential or classified data, or any information related to intellectual property into AI systems. Always prioritize data security and integrity in your interactions with these technologies. 

Continuous Learning and Improvement

Our journey with generative AI is a continuous learning process. A faculty member is currently piloting a generative AI solution with a cohort of users, and we are eager to learn from this experience to refine and expand our AI capabilities. This pilot program is just the beginning. We will learn from this initiative, refine our approach, and aim to release more robust solutions soon.

We invite faculty, staff, and students to engage with our pilot programs and provide insights on how generative AI can be best utilized in your roles. Your insights will play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI integration at our university, ensuring that these technologies meet your needs and expectations.

For Faculty

Embracing Generative AI in Teaching

Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we teach and interact with students. We encourage faculty to explore AI-driven tools that can provide personalized feedback, automate administrative tasks, and enrich course content.

For Staff

Streamlining Administrative Processes

Generative AI can significantly streamline various administrative processes, from scheduling and data management to communications and support services. As we work towards implementing these tools, your feedback and collaboration will be invaluable in ensuring they meet the needs of our university community.

For Students

Enhancing Learning Experiences

Generative AI offers innovative ways to support your academic journey, from personalized study aids and tutoring to dynamic research tools. We are dedicated to providing access to AI resources that can enhance your learning experience and academic performance.

Final Thoughts

The integration of generative AI into our university is an exciting step towards a more innovative and efficient future. Faculty, staff, and students each play a vital role in this transition. By working together and adhering to data security guidelines, we can harness the power of AI to enhance our academic and administrative capabilities.

We look forward to embarking on this journey with you and exploring the transformative potential of generative AI. Here’s to a groundbreaking year ahead!