The University of Houston is consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation. Each day, faculty contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and develop cutting-edge curricula for UH classrooms.
With the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, UH already is positioning itself as a leader in using this technology, with an increasing number of AI-focused programs and courses. The Office of the Provost is supporting faculty in their efforts to implement AI within courses, curricula and other academic projects.
Faculty may now apply for Teaching Innovation Program (TIP) grants, which fund proposals that incorporate AI into core courses across all disciplines and modalities at UH. Proposals must include a letter of support from a college dean and be submitted by noon Oct. 15.
“The provost’s office has been awarding TIP grants for more than 10 years, but we have only recently incorporated a requirement of AI into the proposals,” said Jeff Morgan, associate provost for education innovation and technology. “There is a growing number of faculty who are energized through the creative endeavor of incorporating this new technology into their courses.”
Among the 2024 projects earning TIP funding was Elizabeth Goodin-Mayeda’s AI-Enhanced Pedagogy in Hispanic Studies: Curriculum Innovation for a Digital Future.
According to Goodin-Mayeda, associate professor of Spanish linguistics, the project updated two foundational courses in the Spanish major — Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics and Introduction to Hispanic Literature — to meet the evolving demands of AI-influenced academic and professional landscapes.
“Recognizing the limitations of current course materials in addressing ethical, critical and effective engagement with AI, the project sought to integrate AI-focused, project-based learning strategies that enhance student engagement, academic integrity and career readiness,” she said. “This initiative not only ensures instructional relevance but also cultivates digital literacy and ethical awareness in a rapidly changing technological environment.”
Goodin-Mayeda said she is deeply appreciative of the TIP grant’s support, which broadened her understanding of AI and how it can be applied to her discipline. She added that she gained new insight into how AI can shape education and student success.
“TIP grants help make courses more relevant, engaging and responsive to the world students are entering after graduation,” she said. “Ultimately, these grants help us prepare students not just to succeed in their majors but to navigate and contribute thoughtfully to an AI-driven world.”
Last year, 14 TIP grants were awarded to projects in the Cullen College of Engineering, the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, C. T. College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS).
CLASS Dean Daniel P. O’Connor said TIP grants bring tremendous value to UH in many ways. Faculty and students alike gain invaluable knowledge from the projects supported by this funding.
“TIP grants allow our faculty to explore new ways of connecting with students in the classroom and beyond,” he said. “When professors can test new tools and approaches, our students benefit tremendously. They learn not just knowledge but also skills such as critical thinking and creativity in problem-solving that make liberal arts graduates so valuable in the workplace.”
Full details on TIP grants, including the submission process and a timeline of past projects, can be found online.