UW-Parkside Launches Bold AI Fluency Initiative

KENOSHA, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is launching a campus-wide initiative to achieve AI fluency for students, faculty, and staff by 2028. Through strategic partnerships with Microsoft and Kenosha-based Ordify AI, the university will integrate artificial intelligence into the curriculum and campus operations to prepare graduates for a rapidly evolving workforce.

"Artificial intelligence isn't an appropriate substitute for learning; it is a tool,” said Provost Matt Cecil. “At UW-Parkside, we are committed to leveraging these tools where they make sense to advance teaching and learning and enhance the efficiency of our organization.”

The university defines AI fluency as more than technical skill; it is the ability to use AI tools critically, ethically, and effectively. This initiative ensures students are equipped to navigate, critique, and lead in a world where ready access to evolving artificial intelligence tools is the norm. It also means discerning when these tools add value and when they do not. This approach ensures that human judgment remains the final authority. By treating the individual as the ultimate judge of fact and truth, UW-Parkside prepares its graduates and staff to navigate an AI-engaged world without losing sight of human accountability.

"At Microsoft, we believe technology creates its greatest impact when it is rooted in people and communities,” said Mike Egan, General Manager of Microsoft TechSpark. “UW Parkside’s AI Fluency Initiative shows how institutions can prepare students to use AI responsibly and effectively, strengthening both the workforce and the regional economy.”

To drive this progress, the university is establishing an AI Fluency Task Force. The group will recommend institutional policies, design professional development programs, and identify best practices for classroom integration—prioritizing academic freedom and faculty choice. Additionally, the task force will recommend co-curricular training to ensure that students across all disciplines graduate with a competitive edge.

"Equipping our students and workforce with AI fluency directly invests in the economic vitality of southeastern Wisconsin," said Chancellor Lynn Akey. "By training our graduates to use AI ethically and effectively, we provide regional employers with the high-level talent they need to remain competitive. This initiative extends our mission to serve as a catalyst for growth, ensuring our region leads technological shifts with integrity and vision."

The initiative reflects a campus-wide commitment to "disciplined experimentation," Cecil said. Rather than viewing AI with apprehension, UW-Parkside fosters an environment in which the campus community explores AI’s potential to enhance the academic experience while maintaining a human-centered approach to education.

About the University of Wisconsin–Parkside
Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region’s higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.

Media Contact:
Communications Manager
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
marcomm@uwp.edu