Roberts' AI Lab
Join the AI Lab Challenge
The AI Lab Challenge is your chance to shape the future of Roberts Wesleyan University. Each month, tackle real-world challenges that will help us grow, expand, and innovate.
By using AI, you’ll help Roberts craft strategies, solve problems, and make a real difference—while competing for a $500 cash prize!
Whether you're an AI expert or just starting out, this is your opportunity to directly contribute to Roberts' success and future growth.
Who Can Participate?
All Students, Faculty, & Staff
Individuals or Pairs
All Skill Levels Welcome
Where Can I Work?
There are several campus spots with computers loaded with top-tier AI tools (paid versions). You can also use your personal device if you prefer.
Library Cafe Computer Lab (Recommended)
The GCEC (2 computers)
Admissions Suite in Lower Rinker (1 computer)
What Tools Can I Use?
You can use any tools you prefer! Here are a few recommendations to get you started:
Tips from Previous Winners
- AI tools are powerful, but their results often require tweaking. Be prepared to refine your approach, experiment with different inputs, and iterate to get the best results.
- You can ask AI to take on the persona of specific people. For example, you might ask it to "pretend to be an expert businessperson and identify potential issues with my plan."
- Don’t share any confidential or sensitive information you wouldn’t want made public, as whatever you put into AI models may be used for training purposes.
March Challenge Prompt
Goal:
Roberts needs an integrated communication plan that unites our three main branches—Academics, Advancement, and Admissions. An integrated approach will position us as a thought leader in each audience- from lead generation to alumni and donors, and expanding to the larger community around us. To increase our influence in shaping spiritually minded, service-oriented leaders, we must ask for the academic contributions of our students, staff, alumni, and faculty while reaching a broader audience through strategically curated content.
Your task is to develop a comprehensive plan to build and launch a blog, vodcast (video podcast), and newsletter to establish Roberts as a leader in this space in order to get more students.
Your challenge is to outline the complete strategy for creating and sustaining these platforms, ensuring they engage the right audiences, highlight faculty expertise, and build Roberts’ reputation through multi-channels with the goal to double our social media audience and engagement in order to attract more students.
What to Include
Keep it under 5 pages. You’ll likely need a few drafts to get it right.
Content Strategy and Name – What should this be named? What key topics and themes should be covered and how would they best be grouped/organized? Should newsletters be themed around a topic or by field of study? How will these align with Roberts’ mission and expertise? How will we highlight the diversity of thought on the topic?
Marketing Plan – How should the blog, vodcast, and newsletter be promoted to maximize reach and engagement?
Collaboration Model – How can faculty, students, and guest experts contribute meaningfully? How would we find these voices to participate?
Operational Framework – What resources, tools, and workflow processes are needed to sustain these platforms over time?
Social Media Integration – How can social platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, etc.) be used to promote and extend the reach of blog posts, vodcast episodes, and newsletter content? What content should be specific to each? What formats and platforms work best for different audiences?
AI Integration – How can AI be used to enhance content creation, research, or audience engagement?
Growth Strategy – What are the best ways to expand the audience and impact of these platforms over time?
Email Your Submissions
Deadline: 11:59pm April 5, 2025
Winner of February Challenge
The Prompt:
Help Roberts Wesleyan University expand into New York City and enroll 500 new students for the 2025-26 school year.
What to Include
Keep it under 5 pages. You’ll likely need a few drafts to get it right.
- Marketing Plan: How can Roberts stand out and attract students in NYC? What messaging, channels, and partnerships should we use?
- 5-Year Expansion Plan: What’s the roadmap for growth?
- Financial Pro Forma: What are the projected costs, revenue, and break-even points?
- Cost Analysis: What investment is needed to make this work?
- Efficiency Strategy: How do we grow while using resources smartly?
Key Considerations
- What student groups should Roberts target (e.g., traditional undergraduates, working professionals, online learners)?
- What partnerships or locations in NYC would be most beneficial?
- How can we leverage our current programs?
- What challenges could come up, and how should we address them?
Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions
ARE YOU READY TO
GO ALL IN?