Upcoming Events/Workshops

How do I join the event?

View the event at events.nau.edu Look for:  Join the Microsoft Teams Meeting on [date/time] just below the horizontal rule line

Can I view past events?

Yes, we will share links to past events recordings, for those unable to attend. Email us at AI@nau.edu to request a link to the recording.

AI Workshops

The Year of AI Empowerment at Northern Arizona University represents a commitment to an integrated, mission-driven approach to innovation. By cultivating an AI-augmented environment, we are positioning advanced technology as a catalyst for amplifying institutional excellence and streamlining operations so that the time, talent, and creativity of our people is protected and prioritized.

To support this evolution, we are providing a suite of training opportunities designed to build a shared community of practice. Whether you are looking to automate a routine administrative task, redesign a workflow, or build a custom AI agent, these resources are your starting point for navigating this landscape with purpose and responsibility.

Pre-requisite for Workshops

Before engaging with specific tools, we invite all Lumberjacks to complete the internal AI Literacy at NAU course. This foundational training ensures our community operates with a shared understanding of the ethical, environmental, and practical implications of AI.

NAU offers an AI Literacy Course for faculty, staff, and students.  This is a self-paced course that users can access by logging into canvas.nau.edu and selecting the AI Literacy Course from your dashboard.

By completing this course you’ll walk away with practical information that empowers you to:

  • Understand how AI systems work
  • Use AI tools to enhance, not replace, your voice and creativity
  • Know when to lean on AI, and when to rely on your own expertise
  • Engage with AI critically, ethically, and responsibly
  • Participate in meaningful conversations about AI in society, education, and the workplace

Currently Scheduled Workshops and Events

Check the schedule to see if the workshop you want to attend is already scheduled to be presented.

Schedule a workshop for your group/team/department

Looking to schedule a workshop for your group/team/department? Select a tab to learn more about each workshop and how to schedule it.

This introductory workshop helps users understand how to effectively use Microsoft Copilot Chat to work smarter, save time, and confidently apply AI assistance in their everyday work.  Attendees should complete the AI Literacy Course before taking this workshop.

Users will learn how to:

  • Use Copilot safely and appropriately with institutional data and content
  • Understand what Microsoft Copilot Chat is—and what it isn’t
  • Navigate the Copilot Chat interface
  • Write effective prompts to get clear, useful results
  • Use Copilot to summarize, draft, brainstorm, and answer questions
  • Refine and iterate on responses for better outcomes
  • Apply responsible and appropriate AI use in a work or academic context

Book the Getting Started With M365 Copilot Chat (Basic) workshop
for your team/department/division.

This workshop introduces you to the Microsoft 365 Copilot Premium license, helping you understand what tools and capabilities are included and how to make effective, secure use of them in your daily work.

Using Copilot in everyday tools

  • Use Copilot in Outlook to summarize email threads, draft replies, and identify next steps
  • Use Copilot in Word to draft documents, revise tone, summarize content, and get started faster
  • Use Copilot in PowerPoint to generate slide outlines and refine presentation content
  • Use Copilot in Excel to understand data, summarize trends, and ask questions without complex formulas
  • Use Copilot in Teams to recap meetings, highlight decisions, and track action items

Book  The M365 Copilot (Premium) Advantage workshop
for your team/department/division.

In this introductory workshop, you will learn what Copilot Studio is, why it exists, and how it can be used to create simple, purpose‑driven copilots that support teaching, learning, and administrative work—without needing a technical or AI background.

  • Learn what Copilot Studio is and when to use it instead of Copilot Chat
  • Explore simple, non‑technical ways to create purpose‑driven copilots
  • Understand basic building blocks (instructions, topics, responses)
  • See practical faculty and staff use cases (FAQs, guidance, shared resources)
  • Learn safe, responsible ways to share and manage information
  • Gain confidence using Copilot Studio to save time and reduce repetitive work

Book an Agent Development workshop for your team/department/division.

Focused on a People-First Approach

In every workshop, we lead with a people-first mindset. We recognize that AI comes with a real environmental cost in terms of energy and water usage. Our goal is to give you the framework to decide when these tools add true value and when they might not be the right choice for the task. This approach helps us grow technologically while honoring NAU’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2030.