AI is becoming part of everyday work across higher education. The UA AI Experience is a free, flexible online learning experience designed to help faculty and staff confidently and responsibly use generative AI in their roles at The University of Alabama.
In just three hours, you'll build foundational competencies to apply when engaging with AI tools and better understand how AI can support teaching, research, operations and administrative work in certain contexts.
No prior AI experience is required.
Register for the
UA AI Experience
Registration is required for faculty and staff. Enrolling takes just a few minutes. Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and the course will be available in Blackboard beginning Aug. 31.
How to Register for the UA AI Experience
Go to the UA Blackboard Course Catalog.
Select UA AI Experience.
Choose the section that best matches your primary role at the University:
- Faculty – For faculty members and instructors (including part-time).
- Staff – For anyone whose primary role is a staff position.
Select the black Enroll button.
A pop-up will indicate that you need an account to enroll.
As a member of the UA community, you already have an account. Select the blue Sign In hyperlink.
Select Login with myBama ID and sign in using your myBama credentials.
When prompted, select Continue to complete your enrollment.
You're all set!
Once your enrollment is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email.
What Happens Next?
- The UA AI Experience course will be available in Blackboard beginning Aug. 31.
- Check the Announcements page regularly for updates, reminders and clarifications. Course and badge notifications will also be sent to your myBama email address.
- The course is self-paced and takes approximately three hours to complete.
- Complete the course by Oct. 28 to earn the UA AI Experience digital badge.
Need Help?
If you experience issues registering or accessing the course, please contact us at aiexperience@ua.edu.
Turn Curiosity Into Confidence
Through the experience, you’ll learn how to:
- Identify when AI can be helpful and when it’s not
- Write stronger prompts to get more useful results
- Evaluate AI-generated information with a critical eye
- Protect privacy, data and institutional integrity
- Use AI responsibly in professional settings
Practical Knowledge for Your Everyday Work
Whether you’re in the classroom, supporting students, conducting research or managing projects behind the scenes, the UA AI Experience is designed to teach you to apply AI in meaningful ways.
You'll discover how AI can support tasks such as:
- Brainstorming ideas and content
- Organizing and summarizing information
- Improving efficiency and productivity
- Strengthening writing and communication
The goal isn’t to replace human expertise — it’s to help you use AI as a tool that complements your knowledge and experience.
Designed With Busy Schedules in Mind
The UA AI Experience is built to be flexible and approachable.
Course Snapshot
Five short modules
Approximately three hours total
100% online and self-paced
One module tailored specifically to your role at the University
Earn a shareable digital badge upon completion
Complete the experience when it's convenient for you.
Beginning is Easy
Faculty and staff can register at the beginning of the semester. Once the course opens, you can complete the modules at your own pace throughout the semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate, and do I need prior AI experience?
The UA AI Experience is open to all UA faculty and staff. No prior experience using AI is required.
How do I register and access the course?
Faculty and staff must register to participate. After registering, you will receive instructions for accessing the course when it opens Aug. 31.
How much does it cost, and how long does it take?
The experience is free and takes approximately three hours or less to complete. It includes five short modules that are 100% online and self-paced.
What will I learn?
You’ll learn how to identify appropriate uses for AI, write stronger prompts, evaluate AI-generated information, protect sensitive information and use AI responsibly. One module is tailored specifically to your role at the University.
When do I need to complete it?
You may work through the course at your own pace beginning Aug. 31. All modules must be completed by Oct. 28.
Will I receive a badge?
Yes. Faculty and staff who complete the full experience will earn a shareable digital UA AI Experience badge.
Can I include the UA AI Experience in my performance evaluation?
Yes. Staff can include completion of the UA AI Experience in their self-evaluation during performance evaluation season. Faculty members will be asked to indicate in Faculty Success whether they completed the experience. Complete the course by Oct. 28 so you can document your participation and professional development.
In addition to LinkedIn, social media, and email signatures, several participants have mentioned plans to add their badge to professional portfolios, résumés, and performance evaluations. Others plan to submit theirs for STAR credit or use it as evidence of professional development activities.