Work Smarter, Not Harder with Everyday AI

Introducing the AI Essentials Series: 90-minute weekly sessions to help you write smarter, research faster, stay organized, and use advanced AI agents to automate tasks and boost productivity

Each session is:

  • 100% Online, Live Instructor-Led
  • Designed for Non-Technical Professionals
  • Focused on Practical, Everyday AI Use

AI Essentials Series Sessions

Sessions meet conveniently online on Tuesdays from 11:30AM-1:00PM in July and August.

At just $25 per session, you can sign up for one session or take all four and start building the essential AI skills to work smarter, faster, and more creatively.

Primary Focus: Optimizing Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Calendar) with Google Gemini.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Draft, summarize, refine emails in Gmail using Gemini.
  • Streamline Drive management (find files, summarize docs, generate outlines)
  • Enhance Calendar scheduling with AI assistance


Dates:

  • Tuesday, Jul 1, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM*
  • Tuesday, Jul 15, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM*

    *75 minutes of instruction and 15 minutes of Q&A

Primary Focus: Exploring the advanced features of OpenAI’s ChatGPT to streamline tasks and enhance productivity.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Master advanced prompting (diverse content generation)
  • Understand ethical use of OpenAI tools
  • Conceptual awareness of workflow integration (no-code)


Dates:

  • Tuesday, Jul 22, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM*
  • Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM*

    *75 minutes of instruction and 15 minutes of Q&A

Primary Focus & AI Tools: Using Perplexity Pro for advanced search and information synthesis.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand Perplexity Pro features (Focus modes, Collections, Pro Search).
  • Conduct AI-assisted research for varied needs.
  • Use Perplexity Pro for source discovery, citation, and critical analysis.
  • Explore specific use cases like literature reviews and report generation.


Date:

  • Tuesday, Aug 5, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM*

    *75 minutes of instruction and 15 minutes of Q&A

Primary Focus & AI Tools: Use of AI-powered agents to automate processes, streamline workflows, and support smarter task management.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Process automation and optimization
  • Meeting management and note-taking
  • Task prioritization and scheduling
  • Communication enhancement
  • Workflow streamlining


Date:

  • Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM*

    *75 minutes of instruction and 15 minutes of Q&A

Why Choose the AI Essentials Series?

  • Develop Immediate, Practical AI Skills – Gain practical tools you can implement in your day-to-day.
  • Tailored for Professionals – Focused on real tasks, not coding or theory.
  • No prior experience with AI required—just a desire to work smarter.
  • Learn from an AI Expert– All sessions led by University of Maine Vice Chancellor for Finance and Strategic AI Integration Ryan Low.

AI Essentials Series Details

  • Format: Live on Zoom*
  • Session Duration: 90 minutes – featuring 75 minutes of instruction and 15 minutes for Q&A
  • Session Dates and Times:
    • Tuesday, Jul 1, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM – Maximizing Gemini in Google Workspace
    • Tuesday, Jul 15, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM – Maximizing Gemini in Google Workspace
    • Tuesday, Jul 22, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM – Boosting Productivity with ChatGPT
    • Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM – Boosting Productivity with ChatGPT
    • Tuesday, Aug 5, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM – Leveraging Perplexity Pro for Research
    • Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 – 11:30AM-1:00PM – AI Agents, Your New Digital Assistants
  • Cost: $25 per session
    • University of Maine System employees – please complete this form before registering to arrange payment via Interdepartmental Transfer.

*While live participation is strongly encouraged, all Zoom sessions will be recorded and made available for participants who may not be able to attend for the full duration of the session.

About The Instructor

Ryan Low, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Strategic AI Integration
Ryan Low, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Strategic AI Integration

Ryan Low serves as the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Strategic AI Integration & Treasurer for the University of Maine System, where he oversees financial operations, resource management, and administrative functions across the system’s seven universities. With a focus on fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and the strategic use of AI, he works to ensure the system remains financially sustainable while supporting its mission of accessible, high-quality education for Maine’s students.

Ryan has extensive experience in public administration, higher education finance, and AI integration. He is an active voice in discussions on the role of AI in higher education, presenting at events such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) in Boston and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in Chicago. He is a member of Governor Janet Mills’ Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force and co-chairs the UMS AI Task Force, helping to guide responsible AI adoption within the university system. Additionally, he is a member of the Generative AI Network for Accreditation and Higher Education (GAIN-AHEAD), an HLC-convened group focused on AI applications in accreditation, institutional operations, and policy development.

Ready to build your AI Essentials toolkit?

Register now and start transforming your workflow with AI.
University of Maine System employees – please submit this form before registering to pay for this course via Interdepartmental Transfer using ChartFields.

Click here to enroll in the AI Essentials Series

Questions? Contact us at mainecenter@maine.edu