The Office of Innovative Digital Learning recently announced that its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Awareness Training program has been certified by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), aligning with the requirements established under Texas law.

The training program provides foundational knowledge for faculty and staff on AI concepts, data protection and the ethical integration of AI into academic and operational workflows. The program is designed to help public sector professionals better understand and use emerging technologies responsibly in their day-to-day work.

This certification places East Texas A&M alongside Texas State University and The University of Texas at Arlington as one of the three public four-year universities in the state to develop and offer its own DIR-certified training program open to other state agencies. Unlike many certified programs offered by commercial vendors that charge user fees, the university provides the training at no cost. Among the 125 certified programs currently recognized statewide, ETAMU's course is the only public-sector program specifically designed for higher education.

“Equipping our campus community with ethical AI literacy upholds academic integrity, protects sensitive institutional data, and empowers our workforce to lead responsibly in an AI-driven educational landscape,” said Jacqueline Mitchell, digital learning and technology consultant.

Certified by DIR in consultation with the Public Sector AI Systems Advisory Board to fulfill requirements, the program features a comprehensive assessment, verifiable proof of completion, full digital accessibility and an efficient one-hour online format across Modules 0 through 3. This course is for all ETAMU faculty and staff who use a computer for 25% of their duties and are required to complete an annual certified artificial intelligence (AI) awareness training program.

Contact Samuel Bachert or Jacqueline Mitchell to enroll, or submit a request directly to [email protected]