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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 Thursdays from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM in October and November.

At just $25 per session, you can sign up for one session or take all six 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
  • Leverage Gemini Pro’s advanced features for higher-quality reasoning, analysis, and productivity

Instructor: Ryan Low

Date & time: Thursday, October 2, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM*

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

Primary Focus: This session introduces participants to the fundamentals of AI prompting and demonstrates how to apply best practices across three leading tools:

  • ChatGPT – your thought partner for brainstorming and drafting
  • Perplexity – your research assistant with citations
  • Gemini – your versatile generalist with Google Workspace integration

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Apply the four pillars of effective prompting: specificity, context, role/persona, and output format.
  • Identify when to use ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini based on task needs.
  • Write and refine prompts that avoid common pitfalls such as vague instructions or hallucinated sources.
  • Practice hands-on scenarios for business, research, and personal tasks to improve everyday productivity.
  • Understand ethical and responsible use of AI, including accuracy, bias, and privacy considerations.

Instructor: Gretchen Catlin

Date & time: Thursday, October 9, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM*

*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

Instructor: Ryan Low

Date: Thursday, October 23, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM*

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

Primary Focus & AI Tools: Harness Microsoft Copilot across Word, Excel, and the web to accelerate document creation, data analysis, research, and collaboration.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Generate, summarize, and edit documents in Word
  • Analyze data, create charts, and generate insights in Excel
  • Use Copilot on the web for research, brainstorming, and quick content creation
  • Integrate Copilot into daily workflows for efficiency and accuracy

Instructor: Ryan Low

Date: Thursday, October 30, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM*

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

Primary Focus & AI Tools: Exploring the advanced features of ChatGPT Plus and Team to streamline tasks and enhance productivity.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Apply advanced ChatGPT Plus and Team features, including custom GPTs, faster performance, and expanded context capabilities
  • Master advanced prompting for diverse content generation
  • Use ChatGPT to automate routine tasks and increase efficiency
  • Integrate ChatGPT with existing tools and workflows

Instructor: Ryan Low

Date & time: Thursday, October 16, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM*

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

Primary Focus & AI Tools: Using Scribe to automatically generate step-by-step guides and work/flow documentation for onboarding, training, and more.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Capture workflows and processes using Scribe’s recording features for desktop and browser.
  • Edit and customize guides: Redact sensitive info, add/subtract steps, add tips & alerts.
  • Create video tutorials with voice transcription.
  • Share documentation securely with colleagues or learners and embed videos on web pages.
  • Save time by eliminating manual documentation tasks.


Instructor: Danae London

Date: Thursday, November 13, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM*

*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:
    • Thursday, October 2, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Thursday, October 9, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Thursday, October 23, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Thursday, October 30, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Thursday, November 6, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Thursday, November 13, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Cost: $25 per session

*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.

Recommendation for paid applications: Please note that in preparation for the exercises and assignments you will do during the course, we recommend that participants have access to a paid version of a large language model, such as ChatGPT Plus or Gemini Pro. The paid versions of these platforms offer more advanced capabilities, better reasoning, and improved performance for the tools and workflows we will be exploring together.

Ready to build your AI Essentials toolkit?

Click here to enroll in the AI Essentials Series

University of Maine System employees – please submit this form before registering to pay for this course via Interdepartmental Transfer using ChartFields.

Questions? Contact us at mainecenter@maine.edu

About The Instructors

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.

Gretchen Catlin serves as the Chief Facilities & General Services Officer for the University of Maine System, where she leads systemwide efforts in facilities, risk and safety, strategic procurement, capital planning, and work management systems. She is pursuing a PhD in Public Policy with a focus on educational leadership at the University of Southern Maine, building on her MBA from the University of Maine and her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Husson University. In addition to her studies and work, Gretchen also serves on the United Educators Risk Advisory Board. 

Gretchen views AI as a powerful workforce multiplier – a tool that enhances communication, streamlines routine tasks, and supports more efficient research and decision-making. Under her leadership, teams have applied AI to build chatbots, document standard operating procedures, and develop practical solutions that improve efficiency and service. Her work emphasizes using AI responsibly to improve productivity across higher education and business settings.

Danae London serves as the Integrated Work Management System (IWMS) Manager for the University of Maine System, where she runs the Unified Work Control Center in support of UMS Facilities and General Services. She has worked for the University of Maine System for 7 years.
Danae champions practical, accessible technology that supports both people and business productivity. She believes the best tools are effective, enjoyable, and easy for everyone to use