Applications are open for Generative AI 101, a course for instructors
Dear faculty colleagues,
I write to invite you to apply to Generative AI 101, a program co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Northwestern IT Teaching and Learning Technologies to support instructors’ literacy in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).
The program is open to all instructors — across schools, disciplines and campuses — who will teach in the Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall terms of 2026. It is designed as an introductory-level course for those interested in understanding the basics before delving into more informed topics and uses of GenAI.
Participants will emerge with a plan of how to use generative AI in an assignment for an upcoming course.
Generative AI 101 will run three times this year:
- Dec. 3-17, 2025, online
- March 11, 2026, in person on the Evanston campus
- June 15-29, 2026, online
Applications are open for the December session. Deadline is Oct. 31, 2025.
Last year’s participants said:
“I finally feel like I have a good handle on what GenAI is and how it works.”
“This was an amazing experience.”
“I was worried that it would be too technical for me, but it turned out to be perfect. The information was helpful, and the exercises and assignments were so valuable and really helped me determine how to best use AI in my classroom.”
This is a great opportunity to dive into a new technology that is changing our world and to explore its potential for your teaching and your students’ learning. I encourage you to apply.
Sincerely,
Karen Smilowitz
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education
James N. and Margie M. Krebs Professor in Industrial Engineering and Management Science