University of Cincinnati Accelerates Its AI Transformation

The University of Cincinnati is taking a major leap forward in its digital transformation journey with a comprehensive suite of AI initiatives. Known collectively as Bearcat AI Ready!, this program is designed to empower students, faculty, and staff to confidently use, build, and govern artificial intelligence across all facets of the university, from academics and research to daily operations.

UC Vice President & Chief Digital Officer Bharath Prabhakaran stated, “Our goal is to transform UC from ‘AI-fluent’ to truly ‘AI-ready.’ Our Bearcat AI Ready! initiatives support responsible, innovative AI adoption across the institution that will help accelerate UC’s efforts to enhance student success and streamline university processes.”

This university-wide effort is spearheaded by the AI Enablement Community of Practice in partnership with UC Digital Technology Solutions (DTS). The focus is on enabling AI, driving operational excellence, and ensuring responsible, scalable adoption of this transformative technology.

“Bearcat AI Ready! is about empowerment — giving every Bearcat the confidence and capability to use, build and shape AI responsibly,” explained Assistant Vice President for Integrated Data Engineering & Application Solutions, Josette Riep. “Our vision is to not just prepare for the future, but to lead it together.”

A Central Hub for AI Resources

A cornerstone of the initiative is the new AI at UC website, which acts as a centralized resource hub for the university's entire AI ecosystem. The site provides dedicated sections for the AI Enablement Community of Practice committees and a specific area for governance resources to promote responsible AI use.

The new AI at UC website will feature "AI Champions" across the university, such as Dr. Kelly Cohen, Brian H. Rowe Endowed Chair in aerospace engineering, UC College of Engineering and Applied Science.

The site also features curated content for students, faculty, and staff, including an AI Guide, training opportunities, a prompt library, and access to tools like Bearcat GPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Adobe Firefly.

Building AI Fluency Across Campus

To ensure everyone is prepared, UC has launched a four-tier Bearcat AI Ready Fluency Framework. The first stage, Tier 1 training — AI Essentials — is now available. This on-demand module introduces core AI concepts, responsible use practices, and the university’s available tools.

Future tiers will expand upon this foundation:

• Tier 2: Applied AI workshops with Microsoft and other partners.
• Tier 3: Deep dives into Responsible AI and Ethical Decision-Making.
• Tier 4: Technical certifications, labs, and sprint weeks.

Our goal is to transform UC from ‘AI-fluent’ to truly ‘AI-ready.’ Bharath Prabhakaran, UC Vice President & Chief Digital Officer

BearcatGPT Goes Enterprise

What began as a Microsoft Azure OpenAI pilot is now evolving into an enterprise-wide tool. BearcatGPT provides a private, secure environment for the UC community to explore generative AI. Soon, all students, faculty, and staff will have access at BearcatGPT.uc.edu, which will serve as UC’s secure AI gateway.

An example of an AI-generated image of the UC Bearcat mascot in an AI Ready t-shirt.

The platform will feature governed API capabilities, access to a range of trusted AI models, and custom departmental GPT agents, allowing individual colleges to create tailored AI assistants within a controlled framework.

Innovative AI Tutors to Enhance Learning

One of the most exciting applications is the rollout of AI-driven Socratic Tutors. These tutors use a question-based method to foster critical thinking and guide students through problem-solving rather than simply providing answers.

Dr. Valentine Johns, Assoc. Dir. Academic, UC Clermont College Learning Commons

Co-led by Dr. Valentine Johns and DTS, the initial launch in mid-November will cover 10 high-impact math and statistics courses, offering on-demand, personalized academic support through BearcatGPT.

Expanding AI Applications at UC

DTS is actively developing several other key AI-powered use cases, including:

• Undergraduate and graduate credential certification.
• Synthesizing student feedback for the College of Engineering & Applied Science.
• Streamlining accounts payable invoice processing.

The university is committed to continuously evaluating new tools and platforms to expand the suite of AI resources available to the entire UC community. For more information, visit ai.uc.edu.