Weytkp, Bonjour, Hello everyone,
Happy Thursday. This month marked an important milestone in TRU’s AI journey: the formal kickoff of TRU horaizon with a core group of 16 colleagues from across the university. We began not with tools or technology, but with people.
Our opening question was simple: What’s one thing that’s not on your LinkedIn — and how does it shape how you show up?
Several reflections stood out. Quan Nguyen spoke about rock climbing and how falling is not failure, but a moment to reset, reassess, and try again. Salli Carter shared lessons from sprint canoeing, where power, technique, timing, and trust must align in a very short window. Reid Maisonneuve reflected on endurance training and the long game — pacing yourself, building capacity gradually, and committing to progress that compounds over time.
These stories matter. They shape how we work, how we support one another, and how we think about AI at TRU. They have already influenced how boldly and thoughtfully we are approaching TRU horaizon — a first-of-its-kind effort to build leadership in applied, responsible AI, grounded in our values and strengths.
Here is a snapshot of the four focus areas guiding this phase of the work:
- Safe Start Framework — This stream focuses on keeping TRU safe as we innovate.
- Community Growth (name to be confirmed) — This area looks at learning and development across TRU — skill-based and identity-based — with options to learn independently, from experts, and from one another.
- Game Changers — This stream explores “think big” ideas that could position TRU for national leadership in applied and responsible AI.
- AI Values — We have been working to ground TRU’s AI approach firmly in the university’s values, with a shared understanding of what responsible AI adoption looks like in practice.
Making progress on our message
I’m pleased to share that the TRU horaizon website is now live. My thanks to TRU’s web team for translating a complex and ambitious vision into something clear, accessible, and rooted in who we are as a university.
You can visit our new virtual home at tru.ca/ai. The site outlines our values and provides starting points for learners, educators, and TRU employees. Like all things horaizon, this is a first step. We will continue to build and refine it over time.
Inspiration from practice
This week, Ken Monroe shared results from a Professional Selling simulation used in Open Learning. After a six-month evaluation, students reported strong engagement and meaningful learning through the AI-enabled experience. One student attempted the simulation 32 times — not because they were required to, but because they found it challenging, useful, and enjoyable.
It’s a small example, but a telling one. When AI is applied thoughtfully, it can deepen learning rather than distract from it.
Looking ahead
Interest in TRU’s AI work continues to grow beyond campus. We’ve had conversations (and have started interviews) with CFJC about a short news series highlighting AI innovation at TRU. The idea is for a four-part series, each about three minutes, featuring a small number of voices per episode.
This week, I joined a webinar on AI governance and board oversight to help ensure we take a sound, forward-looking approach. I also shared more about AI and TRU horaizon with visiting Maple Leaf students, and continued work with the horaizon crew to prepare for broader participation across the university.
Thank you for another thoughtful and meaningful week. I continue to appreciate the care, curiosity, and steady engagement people are bringing to this work. We are laying foundations that matter.
Andrea Li
Special Advisor to the President on Artificial Intelligence
Questions? horaizon+andrea@tru.ca