Faculty Awards

AI for Research Cohort

SMU Libraries hosted an interdisciplinary summer cohort of SMU faculty to evaluate AI tools designed for academic research. Faculty from all disciplines were invited to apply for the cohort. The cohort’s findings will be reported in a white paper to be published in the SMU Scholar Institutional Repository. Participants may also be asked to take part in a roundtable to discuss their findings. Participants received a $500 stipend to participate, plus $100 to cover 3 months of Pro licenses for the tools Elicit and Undermind. Read more about our Summer 2025 cohort and how to apply.

AI and Research Assignments Cohort

SMU Libraries is launching a new $1000 stipend for faculty interested in redesigning a research assignment for the age of AI, whether to address concerns with AI or integrate AI tools. A cohort of instructors, supported by SMU librarians, will explore how to promote student learning and research skills by designing or re-designing research assignments for their spring 2026 courses. The group will build strategies for teaching AI literacy, help students understand the appropriate use of AI in research, and ensure students develop critical thinking and reading skills . To learn more and apply, see our AI and Research Assignments Cohort page.

Research Assignment Stipend

SMU Libraries encourages faculty to integrate new information literacy components into undergraduate and graduate coursework in collaboration with librarians by awarding $1000 stipend to winning faculty. Faculty must participate in a faculty cohort workshop, implement information literacy in their course, and complete a report on the impact on learning in the course. Reports will be posted to the previous winners and reports page. To learn more and apply, see our Research Assignment Stipend page.

STAR Award

The Business Library presents the Super Teacher Advocating Research (STAR) Award to faculty who include opportunities for students to apply research skills in their course(s). Selected faculty work closely with business librarians to develop assignments and determine the best ways to teach and assess research. It is awarded to one faculty member each year at the Cox Fall Faculty Retreat. View all of our STAR award winners.