Mission The mission of the UGA Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IAI) is to advance the science of artificial intelligence, serve as a resource of extensive AI expertise and training for all, and facilitate profound societal impact through AI use cases in all disciplines. The Institute executes this mission through research, instruction, and outreach. It administers the Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science, the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence. Scope This policy governs faculty seeking membership with the Institute who have no FTE associated with IAI. It does not apply to faculty with associated FTE—those faculty are considered the Institute’s Core Faculty and are not subject to this document. All other faculty seeking IAI membership are designated as either Fellows or Affiliates, as described below. tiers of faculty membership A. Affiliates Affiliates are UGA-affiliated faculty and researchers with a connection to AI-related work who wish to maintain a formal relationship with IAI. Affiliate status is designed to accommodate faculty whose engagement with AI and/or IAI is emerging or periodic. Affiliate status is open to UGA-affiliated faculty of all tracks and ranks. Eligibility: Any UGA-affiliated faculty member with demonstrable emerging AI-related interests in their discipline may apply for Affiliate status. Expected Contributions: Affiliates are expected to continue AI-related work and to engage in 2 or more activities annually spanning both Groups A and B of the suggested contributions menu in Section IV below. Appointment Review: At the three-year mark, Affiliates seeking renewal must submit an updated CV and cover letter reflecting on contributions in AI and to the Institute during the appointment period. B. Fellows Fellows are regular UGA faculty with a demonstrated and sustained record of research, education, or professional activities related to AI and to the Institute. Fellowship status is open to regular UGA faculty of all tracks and ranks. Eligibility: Any regular UGA faculty member, regardless of track or rank, with a demonstrated record of AI-related work in their discipline and of contributions to the Institute’s activities may apply for Fellow status. Expected Contributions: Fellows are expected to continue AI-related work and contribute actively and consistently to IAI’s mission by engaging in 3 or more activities annually spanning both Groups A and B of from the suggested contributions menu in Section IV below. Appointment Review: At the three-year mark, Fellows seeking renewal submit an updated CV and cover letter reflecting on contributions during the appointment period. Fellows not meeting minimum engagement expectations will be contacted for discussion before any non-renewal decision. C. Retired Fellows Upon retirement from UGA, Fellows may transition to Retired Fellow status within IAI. Retired Fellows maintain connection to the IAI community without annual contribution requirements, and hold honorary status recognizing past contributions to AI and IAI. Expected Contributions Members demonstrate active contributions by participating in activities from the following menu. GROUP A Teaching & Mentorship 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* Research & Collaboration Collaborate as PI/co-PI on research grant proposals or funded research projects with other IAI faculty** Present research at IAI events or colloquia Participate in collaborative activities organized by IAI Co-author AI-related publications with IAI affiliates GROUP B Service & Engagement Serve on IAI Executive Committee or other IAI committees/working groups Contribute to IAI strategic planning or curriculum development Actively participate in IAI’s program of events and activities Mentor junior members or facilitate collaborations Outreach & Impact Organize or co-organize IAI workshops, symposia, or public events Represent IAI in external partnerships or collaborations Contribute to IAI communications (blog posts, newsletters, media engagement) Members may include additional contribution areas in their cover letters. * IAI welcomes cross-listing external AI courses with the Institute through the ARTI course prefix to facilitate enrollment of IAI students ** 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. Application Persons seeking appointment as an Affiliate or 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 Affiliate or 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. Procedure Appointments will be considered by IAI’s Executive Committee followed by its vote by oral 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. MOVING BETWEEN TIERS Fellow to Affiliate: Fellows may request to move to Affiliate status at the time for renewal if their capacity for engagement changes. Affiliate to Fellow: Affiliates seeking Fellow status may apply to be a Fellow any time. They should follow the application procedure for membership as a Fellow in Section III.B. Active to Retired Fellow: Upon retirement from UGA, members automatically transition to Retired Fellow status. Responsibilities of Members Membership in IAI confers responsibilities. 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. Members should actively contribute to the Institute’s mission through the activities outlined in Section IV. If a faculty member departs from UGA, they will lose membership status unless they transition to Retired Fellow status upon retirement.
