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 .

The faculty cohort will meet in December to brainstorm and learn about AI literacy and SMU Libraries’ services. Results will be shared at the final cohort meeting in May. The cohort’s findings will be reported in a white paper published in the SMU Scholar Institutional Repository. 

Application Process

The deadline to submit applications is November 17, 2025.

Eligibility

All full-time and part-time faculty members are eligible. 

Expectations

  • Attend an orientation session in early or mid-December 2025 (2 hours)
  • Implement a research assignment in a spring 2026 course that does one of the following:
    • Incorporates as an information skill 
    • Explores new ways of sharing the results of research besides written papers
    • Takes an existing research assignment and redesigns it with AI in mind
  • Attend 3 debriefing sessions in May 2026 and report on the results of the assignment design (3 hours)

Selection Criteria

Up to 8 cohort members will be selected based on:

  • The submitted proposal to design or redesign a research assignment with AI in mind for a spring 2026 course
  • Applicant's availability to commit to 5 hours of virtual meetings with the cohort
  • A willingness to learn and share ideas – applicants are not expected to have all of the answers