Smeal AI@Work

Equipping Faculty & Staff to Better Support Students

Supported through the Dean’s Office and the eLDIG team, Smeal AI@Work prepares faculty and staff to use AI in ways that strengthen teaching, learning, and student services. Through structured training and access to secure, enterprise tools—including Dean-funded Microsoft Copilot licenses—Smeal builds internal expertise that directly supports student success and operational effectiveness.

Rather than leaving the Smeal community to solely experiment with AI individually, Smeal AI@Work provides a community of practice built upon coordinated tools, guidance, and professional development so staff and faculty can apply AI confidently, responsibly, and consistently across the College.

Guiding Principles

• Providing Access to tools and training
  Enhancing and optimizing business education and operations
• Responsible and ethical use
  Grounded in transparency, human oversight, and practices that reflect Penn State values and the Smeal Honor Code.
• College-wide community of practice
  Supporting shared learning rather than isolated experimentation.

Why This Matters

• Peer support and training
  Staff and faculty use shared tools, receive guidance, and explore ways to apply AI solutions to everyday work across courses, programs, and operations.
• Better academic and student support services
  Staff use AI to improve advising, communication, and administrative processes—helping students get timely, accurate support.
• Responding to real workplace needs
  Staff and faculty use AI in ways that reflect professional standards and modern organizational practices to streamline workflows.
• Focus on learning how to leverage AI tools
  Centralized support enables faculty and staff to focus on improving efficiency and optimizing business practices.