AI Finder
Answer a quick question or two and this finder will point you to the right path for using, building, or procuring AI at UAB.
The five tracks
Find the path that matches your need
The finder routes you to one of these five tracks. Each track leads to a UAB resource page with clear next steps.
Not sure where to start? If you are exploring what AI can do, start with Use existing AI tools. If you have an idea but aren’t sure what solution you need, choose Submit an idea/question. There is no wrong starting point; the goal is to help you move forward.
Track A
Use existing AI tools
Use an AI tool that already exists at UAB, such as M365 Copilot or other licensed tools.
When to choose this
- You want to try AI right away
- You are exploring what AI can do for your work
Example: Faculty using Copilot for drafting; staff asking what tools are available.
Track B
Submit an idea/question
Share an AI-related idea, opportunity, or challenge. The AI Office will help assess options and guide next steps.
When to choose this
- You see a process that could be improved
- You are not sure what solution is needed yet
Example: Provost staff identifies a repetitive administrative process.
Track C
Request an AI solution (built for you)
IT builds or configures an AI solution tailored to your department.
When to choose this
- You need a custom solution
- You do not plan to build it yourself
Example: Clinical department patient intake chatbot; HR onboarding FAQ bot.
Track D
Build my own AI solution
Build an AI tool or project using UAB-provided infrastructure. Self-builds using external tools require security review.
When to choose this
- You have technical expertise
- You want to develop or experiment with your own solution
Example: Lab fine-tuning a model on UAB GPU resources.
Track E
Procure a new AI tool or vendor
Procure a new AI product or vendor. Includes self-build solutions using external tools or vendor APIs.
When to choose this
- You need a tool not already offered at UAB
- You plan to contract with an external vendor
Example: Department signing a contract with an AI vendor.
Cross-track routing
If your request involves external tools or vendors:
- Starting in Track A (Use existing AI tools) → redirected to Track E (Procure a new AI tool/vendor)
- Starting in Track D (Build my own AI solution) with external components → redirected to Track E (Procure a new AI tool/vendor)
Interactive finder
Find your AI request track
Answer one routing question (and one follow-up at most) to find your track. The result tells you where to go next and what to expect there.
Routing is a starting point
The AI office can adjust the track during review if the data type, scope, or infrastructure changes. When in doubt, choose the more conservative path.