A Days Journey through the AI @ URI 2.0 Summit

Come with me on a journey exploring AI in teaching learning @ URI. It began as the URI Academic Summit welcomed faculty back to campus in January to discuss AI @ URI 2.0. Opening the event, a URI panel of staff, administration and faculty discussed where URI has come since the last Academic Summit in 2024 on AI and the future based on recommendations from the AI task force report. It is important to clarify that AI includes machine learning, neural networks, and robotics (around for decades), most of the topics for today’s summit address the narrower field of AI: generative AI which became rapidly widespread through open source products (such as ChatGPT). 

Innovative AI Integration in Teaching and Learning Breakout Session

This session explored the innovative ways faculty are incorporating AI into their classrooms. We heard from URI faculty, who are listed below, who have used AI for activities such as group work, individual projects, and programming assignments. Discussion included understanding the impact of AI on student learning and engagement and best practices for motivating students to use these tools effectively.

AI in Business Assignment for Game Creation

Christy Ashley, Marketing/Business
Christy Ashley discussed how students in her business courses made choices about AI tools for game creation. A guest speaker from Hasbro shared insights into how games are developed, and then she showed an example of the differences in game development using AI. Students often approached AI by simplistically replicating her work, not developing their own game creation.

Additionally, there were realtime considerations that impacted the use of the AI such as loading issues. Ashley highlighted the value of experimenting with new approaches in the classroom, experiencing mistakes, and thoughtfully reflecting on how to improve them for future use.

AI in Classroom Discussions and Assignments

Steven Atlas, Marketing/Business
Steven Atlas explored AI’s integration into classroom discussions, embedding learning about AI through discussion forums. He expressed the importance of determining clear parameters for the students. He also introduced optional AI supplements to assignments, allowing students to experiment with AI-generated content and refine their understanding.

For final projects, Steven encouraged students to use AI to develop research questions and benchmark AI behavior against human decision-making. This approach, particularly in marketing research, allowed students to explore how AI processes information differently from humans.

AI in Biology Education

Nic Fisk, Cell & Molecular Biology
Computational biologist and education researcher Nic Fisk emphasized designing assignments suiting the desired learning outcome, which may include how AI is used in research. They contrasted Google and ChatGPT in long-term retention, generalizability, and transfer of skills developed using these tools. They also noted that students’ frustration when they encounter AI-generated errors provides opportunities for learning. For example, prompting a generative AI and identifying missing nuances or important details can help students focus on the interesting elements of their writing or research.

AI’s Analytical Power in Research: Will and Christy

Will and Christy
Will and Christy discussed examining AI’s capabilities in deep analytics, contrasting human limitations with AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data. They highlighted how AI can significantly enhance research methodologies, but also raised concerns about over-reliance on AI-generated insights.





AI in Philosophy and Writing

Will Krieger
Will Krieger explored AI’s role in philosophical writing, emphasizing structured approaches to AI-assisted writing. Writing has always been the way we thought we need to assess philosophy. He has been exploring the outcomes of assignments and courses to consider integrating AI into the process. He implemented a three-submission assignment:

1 – A written detailed prompt asking for a detailed outline specifying sources, material, and objectives.
2 – Use AI to generate a structured essay based on the outline.
3 – Refine the AI-generated material into a final human-authored submission.

This three-submission assignment increases the instructor workload for assessing. Will found that this method worked well for half of the students, reinforcing the idea that specificity in AI prompting leads to better outputs.

AI’s Analytical Power in Research: Will and Christy

Vanessa Harwood
Vanessa Harwood, from the Communication Disorders field, discussed AI’s impact on speech-language pathology as it relates to the arduous chore of phonetic transcription. She noted that while AI can transcribe adult speech accurately, it often struggles with pediatric speech, and more so speech sound disorders.

However, AI tools can significantly reduce documentation time by encoding phonetic transcriptions that are arduous. She advocated for a three-step AI-assisted process that improves efficiency without sacrificing accuracy, where there is a cross check of AI output, ultimately reducing the time spent on transcribing and increasing the time spent with patients. 



Session Wrap Up: AI as a Tool for Thoughtful Integration

The panel concluded with a call for thoughtful AI integration in education. Faculty recognized AI’s ability to create efficiencies, but have also emphasized that it should not replace critical thinking. By understanding AI’s strengths and limitations, faculty can design courses that leverage AI’s benefits while maintaining academic rigor.

Keynote: Courage, AI Systems, and Troubles We Cannot Avoid

Dr. Vance Ricks

Dr. Ricks delved into AI ethics, discussing values in AI design, issue-spotting, and professional responsibilities. He introduced concepts of moral and techno-moral courage, drawing on Shannon Valor’s philosophy of ethical AI use. Key themes included:

  • The importance of intelligent hope and intelligent fear in AI adoption.
  • Recognizing AI as a socio-technological system embedded in broader social contexts.
  • Ethical considerations surrounding AI-driven decisions, especially in teaching and evaluation.

Broader Implications for Teaching Practices


Faculty acknowledged that both students and professors could misuse AI, raising concerns about academic integrity. The conversation emphasized:

  • The historical parallels between AI and past technological fears in advancements like Y2K, calculators, and Wikipedia.
  • The need for well-structured assignments that encourage critical engagement with AI.
  • Institutional approaches to shaping AI adoption in education, balancing efficiency with depth of learning.
Image for 2025 AI at URI 2.0
Ultimately, AI’s role in education will continue to evolve, and educators should remain adaptive, ensuring that AI serves as an enhancer to rather than a replacement for meaningful learning.
– Dr. Amanda Jensen

To ensure all University computers continue to operate smoothly and securely, ITS will begin implementing periodic automatic updates on a weekly basis, or as needed.

To ensure your system is ready for these updates, please follow these steps:

  1. Keep your University computer powered on and connected to the internet (ideally through VPN).
  2. Approve any update prompts when they appear.
    • Mac Users: Enter your computer login username and password (not the admin password). See the image below for reference:

Important Notes:

  • If updates have not been installed regularly, this process may require multiple reboots and could take longer than usual.
  • For a detailed overview of what happens during updates and the steps you need to take, please refer to the Qualys patching Knowledge Base article.
  • These updates are critical to ensure your system runs smoothly and securely.

How Often Will Updates Occur?

Updates will be deployed on a weekly basis, or as needed, to maintain system performance and security. You’ll receive prompts when action is required, and minimal intervention is needed beyond approving the updates when prompted.

If you need assistance or encounter any issues, please contact the ITS Service Desk at helpdesk@uri.edu.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our systems secure and efficient.

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.

URI will be implementing a new procurement system, RhodyBuy, this fall. This new system will streamline our procurement processes, improve efficiency, and provide a better user experience for all. Users can expect improved transactional visibility into the purchasing process, from requisition to payment. RhodyBuy will provide a user-friendly procurement experience that simplifies procurement activities, making it easier for users to find and purchase the items they need. The integration of punch-out and hosted catalogs provides an “Amazon” like experience and will improve purchasing for high-volume suppliers, reducing reliance on manual processes. 

The system is currently going through an extensive test cycle. RhodyBuy will be rolled out to the community in a phased deployment. We will start with a small number of users in a pilot group to ensure a smooth rollout to the broader community during the fall and winter. Please be on the lookout for RhodyBuy updates on training, campus awareness, and deployment. You can find more information on RhodyBuy here: RhodyBuy – Strategic Procurement (uri.edu)

ServiceNow is approaching its second year at URI.  Live for Fall 2022 semester for ITS and Dining Services Help Desk incidents, a team of implementers has been rolling out both additional departments and services since then.  ServiceNow is now in by 75 work groups at URI across numerous departments for Incident Management, Request Management, Knowledge Articles and Problem Management.

Reaching beyond Incidents, ServiceNow requests, tasks, work groups and Dashboards have supported the IT Contract Review since it’s inception in early 2023.  The process allows faculty and staff to submit IT Security Reviews via the IT Contract Review web page as well as features for Strategic Procurement to submit for IT Contract Reviews as purchases are received. ServiceNow also provides leadership with detailed graphical reports on volume, time spent under review and outcomes for a day or over time.

New features of ServiceNow in 2024 include supporting the implementation of RhodyBuy for Incident reporting and tracking, upgrading the Service Portal to a new Portal provided by ServiceNow with additional engagement features, retooling the Knowledge Article process to streamline and encourage more and faster knowledge article publications, implementing IT Asset Management and expanding Change Management use.

We look forward to working with the URI community as we continue to sustainably integrate business process fulfillment across the university!

The ServiceNow Support Team

Mike Motta
Jennifer Hidalgo
Tina Yetman
Jake Fonseca

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!

As we conclude Fiscal Year 2024, the University of Rhode Island’s IT Contract Review team proudly reflects on a productive year. We meticulously reviewed over 288 IT contracts, ensuring alignment with state and university purchasing regulations, insurance requirements, and IT policies.

In November, the Vice President of Administration and Finance released updated guidelines clarifying the contract review and approval process. In response, the IT Contract Review site was updated to reflect this simplified process, making it more user-friendly and efficient.

We also launched a new resource for ITS faculty and staff looking to procure IT products by providing the long list of applications which have already been through a security review. This new resource allows IT owners to quickly identify vetted and approved products by IT security, streamlining the contract review process.

We welcomed Associate General Counsel Leah Zaborski as our new IT liaison in the Office of General Counsel (OGC). Additionally, we’ve collaborated with the Office of Enterprise Risk Management and their new IT liaison, Daniel Keating, to establish business rules and criteria that simplify the identification and reusability of IT insurance determinations and requirements.

This year, the IT Contract Manager has been working closely with the Strategic Procurement team on the rollout of RhodyBuy, our new eProcurement system powered by Jaggaer. RhodyBuy will centralize contract lifecycle management, offering enhanced visibility, tracking, and efficiency.

Looking ahead to FY 2025, we are eager to continue our efforts and collaborate with IT owners across the university to provide cutting-edge IT services and products. We are also focusing on onboarding AI and managing the new legal requirements tied to those contracts.

We hope everyone enjoys their summer and looks forward to another successful year!

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!