Key takeaways
- MSU Denver is among the first six institutions statewide to earn the AI Engaged Campus Designation, recognizing its campuswide approach to AI readiness.
- Students are gaining practical AI skills through discipline-specific coursework, AI tutoring and emerging credentials, with an emphasis on responsible use and career preparation.
- Faculty and staff have access to AI training and resources to strengthen teaching, streamline operations and help students navigate emerging technology.
Metropolitan State University of Denver earned a state recognition for preparing students, faculty and staff to succeed in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
The University’s new AI Engaged Campus Designation recognizes its work to integrate AI into teaching, learning, workforce preparation and campus operations while emphasizing responsible use and equitable access. The Colorado Department of Higher Education announced the distinction this month, honoring MSU Denver and five other Colorado colleges and universities.
Building AI skills across campus
MSU Denver is embedding AI literacy into many of its most impactful curricula, including Advanced Manufacturing, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Journalism and Media Production, and Sociology.
The University has also developed an AI in Business Certificate and Minor, with additional credentials planned for fall 2027.
Other initiatives highlighted in the University’s designation application include:
- Expanding AI tutoring from a 250-student pilot last spring to a planned 5,000 students this academic year.
- Reviewing more than 800 asynchronous online courses as part of a major AI-supported course redesign effort.
- Providing faculty and staff development through AI @ Lunch sessions, workshops and an asynchronous Canvas training course.
- Supporting equitable access by providing Microsoft Copilot for students for free, sharing responsible-use guidance and prohibiting requirements to use paid AI tools for coursework.
The work is coordinated through the University’s AI Readiness Team-of-Teams, which brings together faculty, staff and University leaders to advance student readiness, faculty development, governance and operational innovation.
What’s next for employees
The designation recognizes progress rather than a finished effort. Faculty and staff can contribute by exploring AI training opportunities, incorporating responsible AI practices into their work and helping students build skills that will serve them beyond graduation.
