UGA's Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IAI) is an independent research and instructional unit jointly supported by and reporting to the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Its mission is to advance the science of and training in artificial intelligence (AI), serve as a resource of extensive AI expertise for all, and facilitate profound societal impact through AI use cases in all disciplines. The Institute for AI is critically dependent on its Faculty Fellows for its successful operations. Eligibility: Permanent faculty in any UGA academic unit may apply to become a Fellow of the Institute. Persons seeking appointment as a Fellow will have a terminal degree and clearly establish the potential to be able to significantly contribute toward IAI’s mission. Such faculty should have a record of accomplishments and/or interests that relate to the field of AI and its use, and a willingness to continue such contributions for mutual benefit. Application: Persons seeking appointment as a Fellow must submit the following to Evette Dunbar (evette.dunbar@uga.edu) for consideration: A detailed cover letter expressing interest in being appointed as a Fellow, accomplishments that make the person eligible, and a clear statement on how the person will contribute toward IAI’s mission. A complete CV listing the research, teaching, and service record so far including past and active grant funding, publications, and courses taught. If this is a renewal appointment, a listing of how the person contributed to IAI’s mission during their past appointment as a Fellow. Expectations: Fellowship of IAI confers responsibilities on the Fellow. The appointed faculty will follow the bylaws and norms of IAI and UGA in their interactions with IAI faculty, fellows, students, and all matters related to IAI. Fellows should significantly contribute to the Institute’s mission. Some of the ways by which appointed faculty can demonstrate contributions include, Participate in ARTI 6950 Faculty Research Seminar as a speaker, Supervise IAI students’ research and projects, Serve on IAI student thesis or dissertation committees, Teach an AI-related course in their unit and have it included in IAI’s curricula,[1] Actively participate in IAI’s program of events and activities for its Fellows, Collaborate as PI/co-PI on research grant proposals or funded research projects with other IAI faculty fellows.[2] Procedure: Appointments will be considered by IAI’s Executive Committee followed by its vote by secret ballot. The Committee’s recommendation is advisory and the Institute’s Executive Director will have final approval authority. Each appointment will be for a period of three years and can be renewed upon request using a process identical to the one followed for the initial appointment. Appointments may be terminated at any time by IAI’s Executive Director in consultation with the Executive Committee for just cause. If a faculty fellow departs from UGA, he/she will lose Fellow status. [1] IAI welcomes cross-listing external AI courses with the Institute through the ARTI course prefix to facilitate enrollment of IAI students. [2] IAI welcomes academic credit and F&A allocations to the Institute from extramural grant activity to supplement operational resources. IAI leadership has negotiated return rates for FCAS faculty and will negotiate return rates with other Colleges as well.
