Through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Case Western Reserve and Microsoft have agreed to collaborate on new ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) across the university’s curriculum, research, and administration functions.
Among the first uses being explored: Weatherhead School of Management’s Executive Education program will launch a series of courses on generative AI. To help design the new classes, Microsoft representatives will lead a “prompt-a-thon” with key faculty and staff members.
“In the last century, during the peak of industrialization, the Weatherhead School led the world by creating the first PhD programs in organizational behavior and operations research among U.S. business schools,” said Youngjin Yoo, the Elizabeth M. and William C. Treuhaft Professorship in Entrepreneurship and associate dean for research at the Weatherhead School. “Now, we are leading the way again by creating human-centered AI programs building on our traditional strengths in emotional intelligence, organizational transformation, design, and digital innovation.”
The MOU signifies a shared commitment to advancing AI technology and its applications to benefit society. Through this new collaboration, Case Western Reserve looks to use the Microsoft Azure AI platform and Microsoft Copilot in multiple ways, such as:
- Developing an advanced AI curriculum;
- Equipping students with the necessary skills for the workforce;
- Jointly conducting research projects in Azure AI; and
- Advancing productivity across offices, such as automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and improving efficiency.
By infusing curricula with Microsoft’s platforms, the university will expose students to the power of AI across all disciplines. Microsoft’s capabilities in AI can arm Case Western Reserve students with an advanced understanding of not only how to use AI effectively but also ethically. It also gives everyone at the university a chance to explore how AI can enhance or streamline the work they do.
“We’re pleased to collaborate with Case Western Reserve University, exploring the transformative potential of AI. This collaboration resonates with the university’s dedication to using AI for the benefit of its community,” said Lydia Smyers, vice president of US Academics, Microsoft. “United by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and inclusivity, our relationship champions ethical innovation for the nation’s future.”