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First- Year Experience (FYE) Workforce Readiness with AI (Savannah State University-2025)

Strategy/Project Name: 
First- Year Experience (FYE) Workforce Readiness with AI
Category: 
First Year Experience
Strategy/Project Description: 

Integrate the IBM SkillsBuild Getting Started with AI module into all First-Year Experience (FYE) courses.

Summary of Activities: 

Integrate the IBM SkillsBuild Getting Started with AI module into all First-Year Experience (FYE) courses.

Activity Status: 
Initiating
Evaluation/Assessment plan: 
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
1. Module Completion:
Students will complete the 3-hour Getting Started with AI module during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. Successful completion will be verified by submission of a digital certificate from Credly to the instructor by the end of the semester.
Metric: 50% of students completing the module.
2. Professional Engagement:
In Spring 2026, students will register for and complete the Getting to Know Artificial Intelligence module. Additionally, they will attend at least one IBM Tech Talk and submit an artifact demonstrating engagement with professionals.
Metric: 25% student participation.
3. Micro-Internship Promotion:
Collaborate with the Career Services Center to promote Parker-Dewey micro-internships.
Metric: Two promotional activities per semester, including announcements via platforms such as Handshake, Career Day events, and College of Business Administration (COBA) programming (e.g., “An Evening with Business Professionals”).
4. Student Participation in Micro-Internships:
Metric: At least one SSU student participating in a Parker-Dewey micro-internship in 2026.
Progress and Adjustments: 

This is the first semester and first year of implementation

Plan for the Year Ahead: 
Planned actions include:
1. Promoting the AI initiative campus-wide
2. Promoting AI-related micro-internships and mentoring opportunities for students who complete the introductory module
3. Orienting faculty to the initiative
4. Registering students for the module
5. Developing an AI competency student learning outcome for FYE courses, to be implemented in Fall 2026
6. Hosting on-campus information sessions (e.g., in the Student Union) for all students
7. Collecting data through student and faculty feedback, surveys, and participation metrics from IBM
Challenges and Support: 

Ensuring student registration and completion, as the training is asynchronous and online 
•  Navigating usability issues with the IBM SkillsBuild platform, which is not user-friendly 
•  Securing faculty buy-in to encourage student participation 
•  Addressing timing issues, as the IBM AI initiative for freshmen was introduced after the Fall 2025 semester had already begun

 

IBM troubleshooting support is needed. No University System of Georgia (USG) resources are required at this time.

Contact email: 
mendelsonf@savannahstate.edu
Primary Contact: 
Frank J. Mendelson
Andrea L. Moore