Florida A.I. Learning Consortium
FALCON’s vision is to empower and transform higher education through the integration of AI, fostering a future where technology enhances learning, teaching, and research in a manner that is ethical, equitable, and forward-thinking.
FALCON was founded in 2024 to connect higher-education faculty and staff interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and higher education. It has no membership fees and anyone can join.
Our consortium is led by a steering committee and structured around Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which focus on several critical areas. These SIGs provide a platform for members to engage with specific AI-related topics and contribute to the advancement of our collective knowledge and practices.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Ethics and Governance
Led by Chrisann Ruehle, FGCU
The Ethics and Governance Special Interest Group develops comprehensive AI policy resources and examines critical ethical challenges in higher education. Our focus includes creating practical policy tools to understand the ethics and governance infrastructure in Florida higher education, conducting scholarship and developing resources on deepfake technologies, and addressing algorithmic bias and equity concerns and recommendations to ensure responsible, fair AI implementation across Florida's educational landscape.
Faculty Development
Led by Kevin Yee, UCF, and Darren Broemmer, LSSC
In fall, we will focus on finalizing our “use case” list for the resource hub, and address deepfakes from a faculty development point of view, aiming to create a one-page document offering best practices for all campuses to consider. By spring (or possibly sooner) we will switch to discussing agents, agentic AI, and maybe even AGI if the field moves that fast. For this topic, too, our aim is to create a 1-2 page handout of best practices.
Data Privacy and Security
Led by Ilana Grimes
The FALCON Data Privacy & Security SIG will focus the 2025–2026 year on exploring the use of AI agents in Florida higher education. Efforts will include creating shared resources to support informed decision-making and promote responsible practices. Tools and training materials will be developed and made available throughout the academic year.
Workforce and Innovation
Led by Rick Dakan, RCAD
The SIG will focus this year on sharing information about what core AI skills and knowledge employers in Florida are looking for in new hires. We will bring in speakers and experts to share the latest information on how AI is transforming industries and creating new opportunities and challenges for Florida businesses. Members are encouraged to share their expertise and present their insights to the SIG and to the whole FALCON consortium.
Grants, Publications, and Scholarship
Led by Sid Dobrin, UF and Linda Howell, UNF
Identify funding opportunities, key research questions, and provide support for FALCON members.
Knowledge Hub
Led by Page Jerzak, SFC
The Falcon Knowledge Hub SIG focuses on creating the best ways to collect, curate, and disseminate information about artificial intelligence that is most relevant to Florida. We seek to create a website repository that allows everyone to access quality information and materials and fosters communication and interaction between those who are passionate about AI. The Knowledge Hub will support the work of all SIGs in sharing what they have learned and created. This year, the Knowledge Hub will create the repository and begin populating it with Florida-relevant AI information on a regular basis.