UNK OpenAI Challenge

The UNK OpenAI Challenge, in collaboration with OpenAI, UNK Academic Innovation, Academic Technology, and the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, provides secure ChatGPT Enterprise access to up to 300 faculty, staff, and students. This initiative explores AI-driven innovations to enhance teaching, learning, research, and operations, aligning with the NU system's pillars of excellence and commitment to innovation.

Goals of the UNK OpenAI Challenge

  • Enhance Teaching and Learning – Use AI to improve student engagement, streamline content delivery, and support personalized learning.
  • Advance Research and Creativity – Foster innovative projects using AI to drive academic inquiry and problem-solving.
  • Boost Operational Efficiency and Student Success – Optimize workflows, increase productivity, and improve the student experience.
  • Promote Ethical AI Use – Ensure responsible, transparent, and privacy-conscious AI application in alignment with UNK policies.
  • Foster Inclusion and Well-being – Address bias, support diverse perspectives, and incorporate AI into wellness and mental health initiatives.

Eligibility

  • Open to full-time UNK faculty, instructors, students, and staff.
  • All licensed users must have an NU ID and a valid UNK email address.
  • Each project participant must have their own license.

Application Process

Proposal Submission

Proposals must be submitted through Qualtrics and include the following information:

  1. Project Lead Information – Name, email, and department of the lead faculty or staff member.
  2. Proposal Category – Select one:
    • Teaching and Learning – Enhancing classroom education
    • Research and Creative Activity – Supporting innovative projects
    • Operational Efficiency – Streamlining faculty and staff workflows
    • Other – Share your unique idea
  3. License Request and Justification – Clearly state the number of licenses needed and their intended use.
  4. Project Description (130 words max) – Outline goals, project plan/timeline, and how AI will be applied.

Evaluation Criteria

A UNK interdisciplinary committee will review proposals based on:

  • Alignment with UNK’s strategic goals.
  • Feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan.
  • Potential for campus-wide impact and innovation.
  • Commitment to ethical and responsible AI use.

Proposal Review & Approval

  • Reviews begin on February 17 and continue monthly.
  • Project leads will receive notification the first week of each month.
  • Once approved, additional steps will be sent to the project lead.

Post-Approval Requirements

Mandatory Training & Assessment

Before receiving access, participants must complete:

  • Generative AI Cybersecurity Awareness Training (available in Bridge)
  • Risk Classification Self-Assessment
  • IT Risk Classification Form Submission

Project Contributions & Promotion

Participants are encouraged to share their project outcomes through:

  • Presentations, research papers, and the UNK AI Summit (Fall 2025)
  • Team introductions and project overviews
  • Testimonials, visuals, and multimedia content
  • Conference presentations and academic publications

Research-Based Projects

  • Projects involving human subject data must comply with institutional research policies.
  • Use of human subjects' data with ChatGPT is strictly prohibited.
  • All research must align with funding agency requirements.

For more information, contact: Megan Adkins, Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation (adkinsmm@unk.edu).