Designing Your Course for AI
Summer Institute for Faculty | Summer 2026
Not sure how to approach AI in your course or how to address it in student work?
The Summer Institute supports faculty in developing a clear, course-level approach to generative AI and creating materials ready for use in Fall 2026.
Faculty take different approaches to AI in their courses. The institute is designed to support a range of approaches, whether incorporating AI, limiting its use, or not using it, with clear expectations aligned to learning goals and communicated effectively to students.
Thinking About Joining?
Faculty from all disciplines and roles are welcome to apply. Those who are new to AI or beginning to explore how to address it in their courses are especially encouraged to apply.
Space is limited. Priority will be given to faculty who:
- teach General Education, gateway, or other high-enrollment courses
- have not yet participated in AI-focused professional development
During the Institute, You Will:
- develop a clear AI course policy
- revise an assignment, activity, or instructional module so expectations for AI use are aligned and explicit
- create student-facing language (e.g., syllabus statements and assignment guidance) that clearly communicates expectations
- where appropriate, develop a brief instructional activity or module to help students understand responsible AI use and common limitations
Most participants complete their core course materials during the institute.
Program Structure (Approximately 25 Hours Total)
Participants begin with the CSU course , a three-week asynchronous experience that introduces core concepts, tools, and considerations for teaching with AI and supports the development of an initial course policy.
Faculty then apply that work to their own course through an 91ÁÔÆæ-supported Faculty Learning Community focused on translating policy into course design and student learning.
Support includes:
- guided working sessions to develop and refine course materials
- optional consultations for individualized feedback
- practical templates, campus resources, and examples
The emphasis is on producing materials you can use in your Fall 2026 course.
Summer 2026 Cohorts and Timeline (Select One)
- Cycle 1: May 26 to June 30
- Cycle 2: June 22 to July 31
- Cycle 3: July 27 to August 16
Each cycle includes the CSU course followed by a short period of supported application. Cycle 3 includes a condensed schedule with additional flexible support in August.
Additional Opportunities
Pre-Semester Preparation (Optional, Week of August 17)
Time and support to finalize course materials prior to the fall semester.
Reflection and Sharing (Optional, Week of December 7)
An opportunity to reflect on implementation, share approaches, and learn across disciplines.
Time Commitment and Stipend
Time Commitment: Approximately 25 hours
Stipend: $800
How to Apply
describing your course and what you would like to develop.
For additional details, please refer to the FAQ.
Application deadline: May 20
For questions, please contact CFETI@sjsu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
What is the goal of this institute?
The institute supports faculty in developing a clear, course-level approach to AI and preparing materials for use in Fall 2026. Participants will focus on one course and leave with a policy, an aligned assignment or activity, and clear language for communicating expectations to students.
Where appropriate, participants may also develop a brief instructional activity that helps students understand responsible AI use and common limitations.
What is the CSU course and how does it relate to this institute?
The institute includes the CSU course AI Tools for Teaching and Learning for Faculty and Lecturers, a three-week asynchronous course that introduces core concepts, tools, and considerations for teaching with AI.
Participants develop an initial AI course policy through the CSU course and then apply that work to their own course with support from the institute.
Participation and Expectations
Do I need prior experience with AI to participate?
No. This institute is designed for faculty who are new to AI or exploring how it should be addressed in their courses.
I already have experience with AI. Should I still apply?
Yes. Faculty with prior experience are welcome to apply. Priority will be given to those who have not yet participated in AI-focused professional development, and additional participants may be included as space permits.
What will I actually produce?
By the end of the institute, you will have:
• an AI course policy
• a revised assignment, activity, or instructional module
• student-facing language communicating expectations
Where appropriate, you may also develop a short instructional activity to support student understanding of AI use.
How much time will this take?
The total time commitment is approximately 25 hours over the summer, including:
• a three-week CSU asynchronous course (approximately 20 hours)
• a few hours of supported application through working sessions and consultations
What does the Faculty Learning Community involve?
The Faculty Learning Community provides structured time and support to apply what you develop in the CSU course to your own course.
This includes:
• guided working sessions
• optional consultations for individualized feedback
• access to templates, campus resources, and examples
The focus is on developing materials you can use in your Fall 2026 course.
Do I need to redesign my entire course?
No. The focus is on one course and typically one assignment or activity. The goal is to make your approach to AI clear and aligned, not to redesign your entire course.
What if I do not plan to use AI in my teaching?
That is completely fine. The institute supports a range of approaches, including limiting or not using AI. The focus is on making expectations clear and aligned with your learning goals.
Schedule and Timing
When does the institute take place?
You can participate in one of three summer cycles:
Cycle 1: May 26 to June 30
Cycle 2: June 22 to July 31
Cycle 3: July 27 to August 16
Each cycle includes the CSU course followed by a short period of supported application.
What if I choose the later cycle? Will I have enough time?
Yes. Cycle 3 includes a more condensed application period, along with flexible support in August as you finalize materials before the start of the fall semester.
Will there be support after the course ends?
Yes. An optional August session provides time and support to finalize course materials before Fall 2026. Additional support is available as needed.
Application and Selection
Is there a stipend?
Yes. Participants will receive a stipend of $800 upon completion.
How are participants selected?
Because space is limited, priority will be given to faculty who:
• teach General Education, gateway, or other high-enrollment courses
• have not yet participated in AI-focused professional development
How do I apply?
Complete the short application form. It should take only a few minutes to complete.
Who can I contact with questions?
For questions, contact CFETI@sjsu.edu
