AI Proof of Concepts Proposal

Program at a Glance

Duration: Three-phase pilot program
Participants: Students, IT, Academic & Administrative Departments
Technology: Free-tier AI platform solutions
Student Incentives: Internships, course credit, career opportunities

Key Objectives

  • Create low-code proof-of-concept AI solutions
  • Provide students with real-world experience
  • Foster cross-departmental collaboration
  • Establish leadership in AI innovation

Personnel

  • Program Leader
  • Technical Mentors
  • Departmental Liaisons
  • Student internship budget
  • Existing IT infrastructure

Executive Summary

This proposal outlines a pilot program to establish partnerships between Weber State University students and academic/administrative departments to develop low-code proof-of-concept AI demonstrations. The initiative will help evaluate potential long-term AI platform providers while providing students with valuable experience through internships, course credit, and career development opportunities.

Program Structure

Phase 1: Program Setup

  • Establish governance structure
  • Select initial free-tier AI platforms for evaluation
  • Develop student application process
  • Identify departmental use cases

Phase 2: Pilot Cohort

  • Select students
  • Match with departments
  • Develop proof-of-concept demonstrations
  • Document outcomes and metrics

Phase 3: Evaluation & Selection

  • Assess results
  • Refine program structure
  • Plan for program expansion

Expected Benefits

For the University

  • Evidence-based evaluation of AI platform capabilities
  • Practical demonstrations of university-specific AI applications
  • Enhanced institutional reputation for innovation
  • Informed platform selection without premature financial commitment

For Students

  • Hands-on experience with emerging AI technologies
  • Academic credit and/or financial compensation
  • Portfolio development
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Industry connections

For Departments

  • Custom solutions for specific challenges
  • Reduced barrier to AI adoption
  • Access to technical expertise
  • Opportunity to shape institutional AI strategy

Program Evaluation

Quality of demonstrations Departmental satisfaction Student learning outcomes Platform performance Integration capabilities Potential efficiency gains

Next Steps

Upon approval, the Software Development team will:

  • Establish a working group to finalize program details
  • Approach AI platform partners for free-tier access
  • Develop student recruitment materials
  • Solicit departmental use cases from both academic and administrative units