AI Essentials: Getting Started with AI in the Workplace

This course will run from March 1-21, 2027

Registration Deadline: Registrations will be accepted through March 1, 2027. Detailed instructions for enrolling with Canvas Catalog can be found at this link. If you have any questions regarding enrollment or this course, please contact ocpe@vcu.edu for assistance.

Description: This noncredit foundational online, asynchronous course introduces learners to the concepts, language, and workplace relevance of artificial intelligence in an accessible and inclusive format. It emphasizes understanding what AI can and cannot do, how organizations adopt AI tools, and how AI is reshaping everyday workflows. The course intentionally serves the widest audience and anchors the full series as its foundation.

Who Should Enroll

Professionals across all fields, including those with limited technical background or prior exposure to AI. Non-professionals, late career and general interest students. Formatted for the widest audience.

Course Outcomes

• Understand what AI is/is not
• Understand how AI is changing the workplace
• Build confidence using AI responsibly

Course Requirements

Participants are required to have access to an AI tool of their choice. A paid subscription is strongly recommended.

Instructor:
Joshua Smith, Ph.D, Professor, Interim Associate Director, Special Assistant to the Dean, CHS Affiliate Faculty, Dept. of Sociology, Founder, Chair, The Media + AI Initiative

Discounts: An early registration discount is available through October 30, 2026. Use promo code EARLY26 for a 10% discount.

Discounts are also available for military and VCU alumni, faculty and staff. Please email ocpe@vcu.edu to obtain your coupon code prior to registration. Any available coupon codes must be used/applied at the time of enrollment, cannot be combined with other discounts/coupons or waivers, and will not be retroactively applied.

Cancellation and Refund Policies:  Refunds will be accepted up to 1 week before course start date. In the unlikely event that this workshop is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.

Student/Participant Conduct: Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:

Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim

For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/resources/policies/