NIU faculty are invited to apply for the 2026 AI Curricular Innovation Grants, a competitive grant program supporting course redesign projects that thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping how work is performed across disciplines. Through these grants, faculty are supported in helping students develop AI literacy, critical thinking about AI tools and understanding of how AI is used in professional and disciplinary contexts.
Building on earlier curricular innovation initiatives, this year’s program focuses specifically on AI-enabled course redesign. These grants will support faculty who wish to incorporate artificial intelligence into course design, assignments, assessments or instructional practices in ways that strengthen student learning, engagement and career readiness. Priority will be given to high-enrollment undergraduate courses, particularly those required within majors or needed to complete general education requirements, where innovations can benefit large numbers of students.
Faculty may apply individually or in small instructional teams if multiple instructors teach the same course. Grant recipients will receive:
- $5,000 faculty summer pay for course redesign work
- A one-year license of Microsoft 365 Copilot Premium
- Up to $250 for instructional materials or tools
- Instructional design consultation and support from Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) staff
These grants aim to:
- Encourage thoughtful and responsible integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.
- Support faculty in redesigning courses that build students’ AI literacy and critical AI skills.
- Connect course learning with career development and professional uses of AI.
- Improve student learning and engagement through innovative pedagogical approaches.
- Advance NIU’s leadership in AI-enabled education and workforce preparation.
The application process is intentionally brief to encourage broad participation. Applicants will be asked to provide basic course information and a short description of the proposed AI-enabled course innovation. Department chair or school director approval will be necessary prior to review. Applications will be reviewed by a faculty subcommittee of the Innovative Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee (ITLAC) and members of the CITL leadership team.
Faculty interested in participating are encouraged to learn more and apply online. Please contact CITL at citl@niu.edu with questions.
