Faculty Training Studio
The University offers training in AI instruction, policies, and best practices through CELT, The Library, The Writing Centers, Ed-Tech, IT, and more.
Recent and Upcoming Trainings
Generative AI in Practice: Tips, Tricks, Techniques, and Traps
Friday, August 21st, 2026 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (CST)
Hosted by: Dr. Michael Ratajczyk
FREE! Online via Zoom
Registration: https://smumn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OooihrZHSfm8qtDHQc715g
Due to popular demand and positive feedback, the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Center for Business Analytics (CBA) is bringing its recent in-person generative AI workshop online.
“Generative AI in Practice: Tips, Tricks, Techniques, and Traps” will take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm CT for FREE via Zoom. Michael Ratajczyk, Ph.D, will host this free online session. This session is a virtual reprise of the workshop previously offered as part of the CBA x RACC Collaborative Series, now adapted for anyone who could not attend in person or wants another opportunity to learn.
Participants will explore practical ways to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Claude, image-generation tools, and other emerging platforms for writing, brainstorming, analysis, presentations, creativity, and everyday productivity. The session will also cover prompting tips, responsible use, and common traps to avoid, including weak sources, privacy concerns, bias, and overconfidence.
This beginner-friendly session is open to students, professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, alumni, and community members interested in using generative AI more confidently and responsibly.
Archived Trainings
Writer in the Loop
This training offered by the Writing Center introduces the original “writer in the loop” model for teaching students how to ethically and effectively use large language models (AI). The “writer in the loop” builds off the “human in the loop” literature on prompt engineering to develop a framework that maximizes student learning.
Syllabus Statements
This training offered, by the Writing Center provides an intellectual framework and instruction for writing your syllabus statements, a requirement for all course.
Modern AI in the Holistic Classroom
Offered by the Center for Excelence in Teaching and Learing (CELT), participants are introduced to whole-person perspectives that can guide technology integration in the classroom, including the Jubilee Centre Framework for Character Education and the care ethics theory of Educational Caritas.
Project-Based Learning with AI
Offered by the Center for Excelence in Teaching and Learing (CELT), project-Based Learning with generative AI can be an effective way to mirror professional tasks students will encounter in future teams. Structuring a learning experience around an authentic problem can also demonstrate for students how large language models are more effective at brainstorming than generating unique insights and solutions.
Selecting Tools for Conviviality
How do we ensure that we shape tools to learners rather than learners to tools? This workshop will answer that question by providing a whole-person response to modern AI based on the ideal of a convivial society.
The Fundamentals of AI for Instructors and Staff
This module (Login Required) goes over the basics of using AI in your daily tasks.
The Virtues, The Vices, and AI
Join the Saint Mary’s Library to consider together how to evaluate our use of AI tools in ways that lead to the formation of positive habits that preserve critical thinking, promote human dignity, and build AI literacy skills.
Holistic Learning Outcomes in an Age of Automation
This session invites participants to rethink course design according to the kind of persons we form, which will in turn include concerns regarding skill training, economic mobility, and the ability to thrive within society.
Prompt Engineering and Hallucination Risks
This module, created by Kara Wener, offers the basics on how to use, navigate, and apply AI in your daily routine.
