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Adaptive Edge Institute

Fellowships

The Adaptive Edge Institute (AEI) invites tenure-line faculty from all disciplines to apply for the Adaptive Edge Faculty Fellowship for Academic Year 2026-2027. The Fellow will advance campus-wide priorities for human innovation in partnership with emerging technologies, with a focus this term on generative artificial intelligence (AI). This fellowship opportunity includes a 0.25 FTE course release per semester.

Faculty are expected to use this time to interact with and support the mission of the university and the Adaptive Edge Institute. Therefore, no course overloads can be given to the Fellowship recipient for the duration of the Fellowship.

Academic Year 2026-2027 Focus and Illustrative Project Areas

  • Using AI to reduce DFW (D, Fail, Withdraw) rates
  • Developing AI fluency workshops and curricula for faculty, staff, and students
  • Strengthening secure local and cloud AI infrastructure

Proposals more broadly aligned with AEI’s mission and contributing to the University’s evolving academic landscape are welcome. We encourage projects that explore the responsible use of technology or the thoughtful resistence to incorporating technology into the work of the University. Proposals may extend faculty research but must demonstrate institutional benefit and cross-campus impact.

Application Details

Application deadline: February 23, 2026 (4:30 p.m. CT)

Announcement: March 2026

Term: Academic Year 2026-2027

Apply Now

Email AdaptiveEdge@IllinoisState.edu for assistance.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to tenure-line faculty only. Applicants should show willingness and curiosity about AI and the ability to clearly articulate how their proposal will deliver meaningful outcomes within one semester. Deep expertise in a technical field or with artificial intelligence is not required, but proposals should reflect foundational familiarity and readiness.

Expectations

  • Weekly meetings with AEI staff
  • End-of-fellowship report to AEI and the Provost (outcomes, lessons learned, next steps)
  • Engagement in campus communications as appropriate

Selection Criteria

  • Potential for cross-campus impact
  • Alignment with AEI mission and current goals
  • Innovation and institutional value
  • Feasibility within Academic Year 2026-2027