Thriving in a Dynamic Workplace
The way we work is changing rapidly. Emerging technologies, evolving roles, and shifting priorities make the workplace more dynamic than ever. To succeed, employees and leaders need the skills, confidence, and mindset to help navigate change effectively. Our future-forward professional development initiatives help you stay agile, understand key nuances for informed decision-making, and thrive in this type of evolving environment. In a dynamic workplace, change is constant and adaptability comes to the forefront. Being adaptable means not only responding to new tools and processes but it also helps individuals anticipate and shape what’s on the horizon.
The following professional development series is driven by the Illinois Human Resources and the Office of the Chief Information Officer. We are pleased to be partnering with CITL, the Library, and other key partners in this effort.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Professional Development Series
The AI professional development series equips employees with practical knowledge and hands-on skills to navigate a dynamic work environment. Through interactive activities and thought exercises, participants learn how to apply AI tools responsibly, prioritize learning energy, and experiment safely within their roles. The two series complement other AI programs on campus, helping employees actively prepare for evolving responsibilities and opportunities.
Two Tracks, One Goal: Responsible AI Use
Employee Series – designed for anyone interested in either learning more about AI or using it to boost productivity, creativity, and problem-solving. Sessions focus on hands-on applications that you can use in your daily work.
Leadership Series – geared towards supervisors, managers, and leaders who want to guide their teams through AI-driven change. Sessions explore how to balance innovation with accountability and ensuring that AI supports human judgement and decision making. This series is also open to leaders who make AI-related decisions.
Hurry! Seats are Limited
Note: Leaders are welcome to attend both tracks. The Employee Series discusses items not covered in the Leadership Series.
Each session is offered in the following formats:
- In-person
- Online
- On-Demand Recording (coming soon!)
For detailed information and registration links, click the arrow or title of each session below.
Working Smarter with AI
Employee SeriesGetting Started with AI. What's All the Hype?
Demystify AI, its role, and impact on work.
- 10/20/2025 | 9:00–10:30 AM | In-Person is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
- 10/20/2025 | 2:00–3:30 PM | Virtual Session is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
Human-Machine Teaming
Explore practical collaboration models and teaming strategies.
- 10/28/2025 | 10:00–11:30 AM | In-Person is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
- 10/28/2025 | 1:30–3:00 PM | Virtual is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
Prompt Engineering (AI Fluency)
Learn how to craft effective AI prompts for better results.
- 11/5/2025 | 9:00–10:30 AM | In-Person is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
- 11/3/2025 | 3:00–4:30 PM | Virtual is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
Safe Experimentation with AI
Understand risks, safety guidelines, and responsible use.
- 11/10/2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM | In-Person is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
- 11/10/2025 | 2:00–3:30 PM | Virtual Session is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
Learning in the Flow of Work
Integrate AI learning naturally into daily tasks.
- 11/19/2025 | 9:00–10:30 AM | In-Person is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
- 11/20/2025 | 9:00–10:30 AM | Virtual is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
AI in My Workday – Building an AI-Ready Mindset
Integrates AI into daily work while fostering adaptability and continuous learning.
- 11/24/2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM |In-Person is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
- 11/25/2025 | 1:30–3:00 PM | Virtual is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
Leading with AI
Leadership SeriesAI Fluency for Today's Leaders
Understand AI fundamentals and implications.
- 10/21/2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM | In-Person is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
- 10/21/2025 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Virtual is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
Human-AI Collaboration in Action
Define roles, workflows, and teaming best practices.
- 10/29/2025 | 10:00–11:30 AM | In-Person is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
- 10/30/2025 | 9:00–10:30 AM | Virtual is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
Cultivating Trust Amid AI-Driven Change
Learn to foster trust and lead change as teams adapt to AI-enabled collaboration.
- 11/4/2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM | In-Person is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
- 11/4/2025 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Virtual is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
Responsible AI Leadership
Establish ethical guardrails and safe AI policies.
- 11/12/2025 | 3:00–4:30 PM | In-Person is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
- 11/11/2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Virtual is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
Upskilling for an AI-Ready Workforce
Plan learning lattices and build AI capabilities at scale.
- 11/24/2025 | 3:00–4:30 PM | In-Person Registration
- 11/21/2025 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Virtual is FULL – Join the waitlist by clicking the box below the sessions
The AI-Ready Leader
Equip leaders to steer teams through AI-driven change with trust and confidence.
- 11/24/2025 | 10:00–11:30 AM | In-Person Registration
- 11/25/2025 | 10:00–11:30 AM | Virtual Registration
Is the session you wanted already full? We will be offering additional sessions in the future based on demand. Add your name to the waitlist for early notice of additional sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to attend all of the series?
No, you can sign up for each session individually. We understand that everyone is at various stages with their level of understanding and working with AI. This series was designed so that each session builds on each other allowing you to start with whatever session fits your needs.
What do you define as a leader for this series?
Someone who leads a team of people or who makes decisions for AI-related efforts.
Can we receive a badge for this series?
Yes, if you attend five of the six sessions in the series.
Is it an approved event?
The AI Professional Development is an approved event under Policy and Rules for Civil Service Staff, Rule 11.12. Employees can attend with up to two hours off work, pending supervisor approval & operations permitting. Each of session is designed as 90 minutes in length which falls under the two-hour timeframe.
Will there be other AI training offered?
Depending on campus interest we will repeat these sessions. In addition, we are working on another wave of training that will target more specifics (Copilot, ChatGPT, etc.). We will share more information on that as soon as it’s available.
Can I revisit this training if needed?
Yes, this will be available on Canvas. We will start work on that soon.
How does this differ from other offerings on campus?
There are several great offerings available through CITL, the Library, and other resources on campus. Some are focused more on the needs of faculty and students. This AI Professional Development series is focused on employees in order to help understand various tools currently in the marketplace, how they can be leveraged in roles, along with cautionary guidance. We will continue to build other future-focused courses and series.
Generative AI Resources – Technology Services
The Generative AI Resources provides the university community with listings of approved AI resources, along with privacy and security considerations.
Have questions?
Please contact ihr@illinois.edu. We’re here to help.