Leading with AI: A Research-Informed Professional Learning Community for UVA Staff

October 15-November 19, 2026 

Thursdays 9:00-10:00 am

Join colleagues from across the University of Virginia for a six-week Professional Learning Community (PLC) designed to help participants move beyond AI hype and develop practical strategies for using AI in their work. Through guided readings, videos, facilitated discussions, and hands-on design activities, participants will learn from the School of Data Science faculty's research, including Nur Yildirim's AI Design Sprint Methodology. This program is co-facilitated by Siri Russell and Siwan Kim.

Together, participants will explore how to:  

• Identify meaningful opportunities for AI in their roles and departments
• Evaluate where AI can create value (and where it may not be the right solution)
• Design human-centered AI workflows that augment rather than replace expertise
• Recognize ethical, governance, and equity considerations
• Develop a roadmap for piloting AI responsibly in their workplace

This PLC is designed for UVA staff across all disciplines and functional areas. No technical or coding experience is required, this experience will help you become a more informed and strategic AI practitioner.

By the end of the program, participants will leave with a practical framework for evaluating AI opportunities and a concrete idea for applying AI responsibly within their unit or area of responsibility. Participants must attend at least 5 of the 6 live sessions to earn a digital badge to document successful completion of the program.

Week 1: October 15, 9:00-10:00 am - AI Beyond the Hype 

Key question for week 1: What is AI actually good for, and where might it help me?

Week 2: October 22, 9:00-10:00 am - Finding the Right AI Opportunity

Key question for week 2: What problem am I trying to solve? 

Week 3: October 29, 9:00-10:00 am - Designing Value with AI 

Key question for week 3: How would AI create value for my organization? 

Week 4: November 5, 9:00-10:00 am - Human + AI Collaboration

Key question for week 4: What should people do and what should AI do? 

Week 5: November 12, 9:00-10:00 am - Responsible AI

Key question for week 5: What could go wrong and how do we reduce risk? 

Week 6: November 19, 9:00-10:00 am - From Idea to Pilot

Key question for week 6: What is the smallest, safest way to test this idea? 

Offered in partnership with the UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies and the School of Data Science.

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies, in the case the program is cancelled, will fully refund the registration fee. All refunds requested prior to the second live class session will be refunded at 75% of the course fee. Requests to cancel the class after the second live class sessions will not receive a refund. To request a refund, or for further questions, please contact Carrie Walker, caw9g@virginia.edu.