Note: This program is currently offered as a pilot. A larger cohort is anticipated in a future offering.
The Operational Excellence: Problem Solving with AI Certificate is a hands-on pilot program that helps staff build practical, responsible AI literacy and apply it to a real workflow challenge in their area. Designed for people who want to improve how things work across Queen’s, this program combines foundational AI concepts with structured, applied problem-solving.
Participants complete pre-learning, attend four in-person sessions between May and August 2026, and work on an applied project between sessions. By the end of the program, each participant will have created a well-defined problem statement, explored viable solutions, and prepared an implementation outline grounded in Queen’s operational realities.
This program is offered in partnership with the Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal Academic, Information Technology Services (ITS), and Human Resources, Organizational Development & Learning (ODL). It supports university-wide goals around operational excellence, data-informed decision making and building AI readiness and literacy at Queen's.
The program is geared towards:
- Staff who work with or influence operational workflows
- Individuals comfortable working with the data behind their process
- Those ready to explore responsible, practical uses of AI
- People committed to applied learning and continuous improvement
Below, please find the dates, times, and topics for the different sessions within the certificate program:
| Session | Topic | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding AI & Framing Departmental Pain Points | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm |
| 2 | Matching AI to the Right Problem | Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm |
| 3 | Refining My Solution to Match My Reality | Tuesday, July 14 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm |
| 4 | Presenting Solutions to Leadership Presentations | Thursday, August 13 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm |
Applications for the pilot cohort of the Operational Excellence: Problem Solving with AI Certificate are now closed.
Due to the applied and hands‑on nature of the program, the pilot cohort was intentionally limited in size. We are currently reviewing submissions.
Based on strong interest in the pilot, we anticipate offering a larger cohort in the fall or later next year, subject to scheduling and capacity.
Staff who are interested in future offerings are invited to join the interest list to receive updates when the next cohort is confirmed.
- Join the Interest List ()
Please note that joining the interest list does not guarantee a spot in a future cohort.
Thank you again for your interest in building practical, responsible AI capability at Queen’s.
Why was this offered as a pilot?
This program was developed and run as a small pilot to support focused, hands‑on learning through real projects. The lessons learned will help shape how future, larger cohorts can be delivered effectively across the university.