Elon University | CAA Academic Alliance

AI Technologies Champion Competition

Applications Due: December 1, 2025

AI with Human Values

Elon University, in partnership with the CAA Academic Alliance, is excited to announce the AI Technologies Champion Award, a prestigious opportunity for faculty and staff to showcase innovative and responsible uses of artificial intelligence (AI) across teaching, research, and campus operations.

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To apply, please click on the following link: Application Form

About the Challenge

With our AI Principles at the core, this initiative advances Elon’s mission to “transform mind, body, and spirit, and to encourage freedom of thought and liberty of conscience.”

The AI Technologies Champion Network recognizes outstanding faculty and staff who are creatively integrating AI in higher education. This program positions Elon University at the forefront of responsible and impactful AI innovation.

Award winners will receive a $10,000 stipend, travel funding to present at a major conference, and university-wide recognition as AI leaders.

Showcase your achievements, connect with innovators across the Alliance, and help shape the future of responsible AI in higher education.

Benefits

Recognition and Leadership

Gain university-wide recognition as an AI leader and position yourself at the forefront of educational innovation at Elon University and across the CAA Academic Alliance

Professional Development and Collaboration

Join an inter-institutional network of forward-thinking faculty and staff. Collaborate, share best practices, and access opportunities for ongoing leadership development in AI integration.

Innovation and Presentation Opportunities

Be eligible for a $10,000 stipend, travel funding to present your work at a major conference, and the chance to showcase your achievements to academic leaders across thirteen universities.

Why Participate?

This award is open to all Elon University faculty and staff, regardless of prior AI experience. The goal is to encourage innovative, ethical, and responsible uses of AI that enhance learning, research, operations, and campus leadership.

Submissions do not require a fully developed project, well-documented ideas, ongoing initiatives, or completed work that demonstrate creativity and measurable impact are all encouraged.

By participating, you will:

  • Join a distinguished community of faculty and staff recognized for advancing AI in higher education
  • Gain visibility across the CAA Academic Alliance and the opportunity to collaborate with innovators from thirteen member institutions
  • Be eligible for a $10,000 stipend, travel funding to present your work at a major conference, and university-wide recognition as an AI leader
  • Help shape Elon’s and the Alliance’s leadership in responsible and impactful AI integration
  • Contribute to Elon’s AI Pedagogy Resource Hub, where best practices and insights will be shared with the broader academic community

Submission Details

For more detailed information, please review the AI Champion FAQ below.

Application Process

  1. Submit your application using the AI Challenge Application Form.
  2. Each application will be reviewed by a campus committee using the official CAA Academic Alliance evaluation criteria. Elon University may select up to two nominees to forward to the CAA Academic Alliance for consideration. Finalists selected as Elon’s nominees will be notified in advance of the Alliance deadline
  3. Applications must be submitted by December 1st, 2025.

Requirements

  • The award is open to all Elon University faculty (full-time, part-time, and adjunct) and staff who are interested in advancing responsible AI integration in higher education!
  • Applicants must demonstrate innovative, ethical, and impactful use of AI in teaching, research, operations, student success, or campus leadership
  • Each applicant must complete the official application, following the specified word limits
  • Optional materials (such as a brief CV or letter of support) may be requested for internal review, but should not be forwarded to the CAA Academic Alliance

 

Up to two projects will be selected as Elon University’s official nominees for the CAA Academic Alliance AI Technologies Champion Award. Awardees will be invited to present their work at Alliance-wide events, including the S²EARCH26 culminating conference in June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What is the eligibility criteria for the AI Technologies Champion Award?

Full-time, part-time, and adjunct faculty and staff at Elon University are eligible to apply. Applicants should demonstrate innovative, ethical, and impactful use of AI in teaching, research, operations, student success, or campus leadership. Eligibility is open to all Elon University employees in good standing who are interested in advancing responsible AI integration in higher education.

📅 When is the submission deadline?

The deadline to submit your application for Elon University’s internal review is December 1, 2025.
Elon University’s official nominees will be forwarded to the CAA Academic Alliance by December 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

💡 What types of projects are eligible?

Eligible projects include innovative uses of AI in teaching, research, student success, operational effectiveness, and faculty leadership development. Submissions may feature completed work, ongoing initiatives, or well-developed ideas that demonstrate creativity, measurable impact, and responsible, ethical AI integration. Projects that address more than one area or are ready to scale and collaborate across institutions are especially encouraged.

🏆 What are the rewards for top participants?

Top participants selected as Elon University’s nominees will join the AI Technologies Champion Network and be eligible for a $10,000 stipend, travel funding to present at a major conference, and university-wide recognition as an AI leader. Awardees will also have opportunities to present their work at Alliance-wide events and connect with innovators across thirteen member institutions.

🔍 Do I need prior AI experience to participate?

No prior AI experience is required. The award is open to all faculty and staff, regardless of technical background. Innovative ideas, early-stage projects, and creative approaches to responsible AI integration are all welcome.

📝 What should my submission include?

Your submission should include responses to the official application questions, highlighting how you have used or plan to use AI in innovative, ethical, and impactful ways. You may submit details about completed projects, ongoing initiatives, or well-developed ideas. Supporting evidence such as outcome data, research metrics, student feedback, or curriculum materials is encouraged. Please follow all word limits specified in the application.

🔒 How are applications evaluated?

Applications are evaluated using standardized criteria focused on innovation, ethical and equitable AI implementation, scalability, collaboration potential, and leadership.

🌐 Where can I learn more about AI before submitting?

You can explore Elon University’s AI resources available on this website to learn more about artificial intelligence and its applications in education. These resources provide information on responsible AI integration, best practices, and examples to help you prepare a strong application. For further questions, you may also contact Elon AI at ai@elon.edu for guidance.

Do you have additional questions?

For more comprehensive information, please review our detailed FAQ.

How to Get Started

Faculty who are interested in learning more about AI before submitting can visit Elon's resources, available on this website.

This challenge aligns with Elon University's AI Roadmap, fostering responsible and ethical AI integration in education. By sharing your innovations, you will help shape the future of AI-powered teaching, research, and leadership at Elon and throughout the CAA Academic Alliance.

Explore AI Resources

Important Dates

Applicants selected as Elon University’s nominees will join the AI Technologies Champion Network and be eligible for a $10,000 stipend, travel funding to present at a major conference, and university-wide recognition as AI leaders.

Awardees will also have the opportunity to present their work at Alliance-wide events, including the S²EARCH26 culminating conference in June 2026.

Share your best ideas and help shape the future of responsible AI in higher education.

Challenge Launch

Now

The Elon University AI Technologies Champion Award is now open for submissions from all Elon University faculty and staff.

Submission Deadline

December 1st, 2025

The final date to submit your application and materials for the AI Technologies Champion Award is December 1, 2025.

Ready to Apply?

The AI Technologies Champion Award is open to all Elon University faculty and staff. We encourage everyone interested in advancing responsible AI to participate and share their innovative ideas.

Apply Now