Last fall, Operations, Finance & Support offered several entry-level workshops to interested staff members to cultivate AI skills and deepen their understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs). These interactive workshops guided various staff members in using Copilot, a university-approved LLM, for day-to-day tasks.
This diverse group of participants was familiar with AI at varying levels—some were already regularly utilizing LLMs, while others were experimenting for the first time. The hands-on format and tailored instruction empowered attendees to explore how AI can streamline tasks and boost efficiency.
Here’s how your colleagues are applying their newfound knowledge—and what advice they have for others interested in diving in.
 Lewis Coleman |
What is a specific achievement that you attribute to the AI training? How has it impacted your productivity or efficiency at work? During the training, I saw Copilot’s potential in improving business communications—particularly for creating and refining content in our IT knowledge base and campus communications. It’s given our team a way to explore alternatives in content creation and style. Copilot has also enhanced my ability to develop clear, concise job aids for staff, making it easier to relay essential IT information. What is your advice to others in the Rice community who are interested in learning more about AI? Dig into it, experiment, and push the boundaries of your creativity in applying it—but always be mindful where sensitive information is involved. |
 Thomas Hudak |
What is a specific achievement that you attribute to the AI training? How has it impacted your productivity or efficiency at work? I used AI to develop an enhanced candidate review process for our sergeant and lieutenant positions. This has helped us identify and select the best candidates for these leadership roles. In fact, an officer recently identified, through the help of this process, is excelling in his new position. Before this training, AI was brand new to me. I now use it regularly. It improves the efficiency of my office to accomplish our goals and objectives. What is your advice to others in the Rice community who are interested in learning more about AI? If the opportunity arises to take a course to learn more about AI and how it can help you, I strongly recommend it. AI will bless you! |
 Mike Morgan |
What is a specific achievement that you attribute to the AI training? How has it impacted your productivity or efficiency at work? Since the training, using AI has made complex issues or questions less burdensome. It is like having a professional research assistant who can quickly handle tasks that would otherwise take us much longer. This increased efficiency has saved us time and improved our overall productivity. For example, AI helped us identify specific ways our team can contribute to Momentous and the OF&S strategic plan. One idea we implemented was the introduction of smart Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) readers in our parking facilities. These readers have enhanced the customer experience by enabling faster, contactless payments through an intuitive, easy-to-navigate system. What would your advice be to others in the Rice community who are interested in learning more about AI? Dive in! Embracing technology as it evolves helps to stay current. AI is here to stay, so it's beneficial to find ways it how it can be useful. I am grateful to witness the growth of such exciting technologies, and that Rice provided training to be better equipped for the future. |
 Sharon Scoppa |
What is a specific achievement that you attribute to the AI training? How has it impacted your productivity or efficiency at work? I recently created a profit and loss (P&L) tracking template for financial administrators on campus. I used Microsoft Copilot to write the code for the macros in that template, which allows for automation in updating and clearing the data. It also creates a better user experience—now click a button rather than having to perform several functions. This saved a huge amount of time and will benefit everybody who uses that template. AI has not only increased my efficiency in technical tasks but also improved my ability to document processes effectively. What would your advice be to others in the Rice community who are interested in learning more about AI? I recommend that anyone interested in AI take the time to learn about it. It's a valuable use of your time that will yield significant benefits. |
Copilot is available to all Rice staff, and you can begin your AI journey by logging in with your Rice credentials. Be sure to familiarize yourself with Rice’s AI Usage Guidelines before diving in, as maintaining responsible AI usage is paramount to the University’s success.