AI Fundamentals

AI Fundamentals is a required, non-credit course for all incoming Georgia Southern students starting Spring 2026. It is completed online, takes 60–90 minutes, and must be finished before beginning coursework.

The course introduces the basics of artificial intelligence (AI), including what it is, how it works, its limitations, and expectations for responsible use in academic settings.

This course is part of the university’s Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academic Contexts policy, launched in September 2025, and must be completed before beginning coursework at Georgia Southern.

AI Fundamentals Course Overview

• Required for all incoming students (Spring 2026 and beyond)
• Fully online and self-paced
• Takes approximately 60–90 minutes to complete
• Non-credit (does not affect GPA)
• Must be completed before starting coursework

Why is the AI Fundamentals Course Required?

Artificial intelligence tools are rapidly evolving and increasingly present in academic and professional environments. The university is committed to:

• Promoting responsible and ethical AI use
• Supporting academic integrity
• Clarifying expectations for AI use in coursework
• Helping students understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI tools

AI Fundamentals ensures all students begin their academic journey with a shared understanding of these expectations.

What does AI Fundamentals Cover?

The course introduces students to:

• What artificial intelligence is (and what it is not)
• Common types of AI tools, including generative AI
• Strengths and limitations of AI systems
• Risks, bias, and reliability concerns, including how to verify AI generated information
• Academic integrity considerations
• Responsible use basics, including privacy and what not to share with AI tools
• University expectations under the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academic Contexts policy

The focus is foundational. No prior technical knowledge is required.

Course Format

• Fully online
• Self-paced
• Non-credit (does not affect GPA)
• Estimated completion time: 60–90 minutes
• Includes 4 short modules, knowledge checks throughout, and a course completion form

Students must successfully complete the AI Fundamentals course before beginning academic coursework. After completing the course, all students will be awarded a Folio badge that they can share externally. 

How Do I Access the Course?

Once admitted to Georgia Southern University, you will begin receiving emails about completing the AI Fundamentals course at the email address you used when applying for admission. Reminder emails are regularly sent out until you complete the course. 

The course is available in Folio, Georgia Southern’s Learning Management System. Students will see AI Fundamentals in their Folio course list prior to the start of their first semester. The course will be associated with the semester in which a student starts; for example, students beginning in Summer 2026 will find the course under the “Summer 2026” tab in Folio.

New students are encouraged to check out the Folio Resources for Students guide for tips on navigating Folio for the first time.

If you do not see the course in Folio or have technical questions, please contact The Office of Adult and Online Learning, GSAdultOnline@GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

For Faculty & Staff

This course ensures that all incoming students receive consistent, baseline guidance on AI use and university expectations. Faculty remain responsible for setting course-level AI policies within the framework of the university’s Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academic Contexts policy. For questions about the course or the policy, please contact The Office of Adult and Online Learning, GSAdultOnline@GeorgiaSouthern.edu

Frequently Asked Questions