FRIDAY, MAY 2
9 A.M. − 4 P.M.
ROBERTA STEINBACHER ATRIUM
LEVIN COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND EDUCATION
AI SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM
REGISTRATION OPENS (ATRIUM)
Coffee, water, tea and light snacks
WELCOME ADDRESS FROM THE AI SYMPOSIUM COMMITTEE (ATRIUM)
AI SANDBOX (ATRIUM)
The AI Sandbox is an interactive, drop-in experience featuring multiple presenters showcasing a variety of AI tools and use cases. Attendees are invited to explore different stations, ask questions and try out tools hands-on. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to expand your toolkit, this session offers something for every level of experience.
10–10 : 25 A.M.
WILL AI END ART? (UR 243)
Jimmy Kuehnle
What’s the point of making anything when diffusion-based image and video generators and transformer-based large language models can output more content in an instant that a human could hope to produce in a lifetime? How can humans create with and without AI tools?
10–10 : 50 A.M.
NAVIGATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF GENERATIVE AI (BONDA ROOM — UR 245)
Olivia Chin, Michael Flier and Mandi Goodsett
Let’s discuss AI and the environment! We’ll present on the pros, cons and research, and then you’ll have time to discuss your own experiences.
EVOLVING ATTITUDES TOWARD THE USE OF GENERATIVE AI AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AN INNER-CITY SCHOOL (UR 107)
Xiongyi Liu
This presentation examines how high school students in an inner-city school are thinking about and using generative AI. It looks at how their attitudes are changing over time and what factors may be influencing those shifts.
AI IN FIRST YEAR WRITING (ATRIUM)
Melanie Gagich, Julie Townsend, Joseph Kane, Yvonne Bruce and Rachel Rickel
This session explores how first-year writing instructors are integrating generative AI into classroom practice. Presenters will share vocabulary, activities and assignments that introduce students to AI and help them think critically about its role in writing and learning.
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ART, ETHICS AND AI (UR 243)
Sarah Rutherford and Caitlin Giambroni
There are a variety of ethical concerns one might consider when deciding if and how to incorporate generative AI into their life and work processes. In this session we will discuss some of the questions that arise at the intersection of generative AI and creativity including ownership, authorship, process and values.
ECHOES OF THE SELF: ARTMAKING AND MEANING IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL IMAGINATION (UR 243)
Qian Li
This presentation explores how artificial intelligence, particularly in image and video generation, reflects the personal, cultural and emotional landscapes of its users — offering not just output, but a mirror of human intention and imagination. As an artist and educator, Dr. Li will examine how we can guide students to create with awareness, using AI not as a shortcut, but as a partner in uncovering and expressing the deeper truths of the self.
TERMS OF USE OF AI TOOLS: ETHICS AND PLAGIARISM ISSUES (BONDA ROOM — UR 245)
Selma Koc, Brian Harper and Xiongyi Liu
This presentation outlines key considerations related to the terms of use for AI tools, with a focus on ethical concerns and potential plagiarism issues.
GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RESEARCH WRITING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CHATGPT USAGE AMONG L1 AND L2 COLLEGE STUDENTS (UR 107)
Melanie Gagich, Jialei Jiang and Matthew Vetter
This presentation shares findings from a mixed-methods study on how L1 and L2 college students used ChatGPT during a research writing project. Surveys and interviews revealed both similarities and key differences in how students engaged with the tool across stages like topic development, sourcing, drafting and editing. The study offers insights into students’ motivations, challenges and perceptions, and concludes with recommendations for integrating GenAI tools into writing instruction.
EXPLORING BLACKBOARD’S AI DESIGN ASSISTANT (ATRIUM)
Glenn Curtis and John Hubbard
Blackboard’s AI Design Assistant will be available to all CSU courses beginning Spring Semester 2026 and is available now for all Blackboard Ultra courses. We’ll investigate the AI tools for course structure suggestions, generative images, content-based test questions and question banks, prompts for authentic assessments, rubric creation and AI conversations. The tools are all guided by Blackboard’s Trustworthy AI framework.
Cigdem Slankard, Mark Slankard, Qian Li and Heather Caprette
What is it about art that makes it human? Is AI-generated art human or does it need to be made by a person to be considered art? How is that different than people who buy paintings from elephants? Since humans created AI, is AI-generated art technically human? What does it mean to be human and is AI simply a manifestation of our abstract thinking abilities?
12–12 : 50 P.M. LUNCHTIME KEYNOTE : HOW HIGHER EDUCATION CAN EVOLVE TO STAY RELEVANT IN AN AI-DRIVEN FUTURE (ATRIUM)
Dr. Kate Elkins
Discover the transformative shifts higher education must embrace to thrive in an AI-driven world. This keynote will provide concrete strategies for ensuring graduates emerge with uniquely human competencies that complement rather than compete with artificial intelligence.
1–1 : 50 P.M.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND AI (UR 243)
Mark Slankard
Can people tell the difference between AI-generated images and human-made images? What makes it different?
MISSION MEETS MACHINE : AI READINESS AND NONPROFITS (BONDA ROOM — UR 245)
Kauser Razvi and Bailey Capella
This session explores how mission-driven organizations can adopt AI effectively, from early exploration to implementation. We’ll discuss common challenges such as staffing, ethics, limited technical capacity and funding. A case study from College Now highlights how AI — when aligned with purpose — can boost engagement and efficiency in post-secondary advising.
ASKING HARD QUESTIONS : CRITICAL USE OF GENERATIVE AI FOR LITERATURE SEARCHING (UR 107)
Kathy Fisher, Mandi Goodsett, Diane Kolosionek, Theresa Nawalaniec and Ben Richards
Are you curious if generative AI can help you with your research? Or maybe where it’s not so helpful? In this session we’ll explore AI’s research capabilities with a critical lens to discover the potential (and pitfalls) of using AI tools for research support.
THE CREATIVE CLASSROOM : EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH MULTIMODAL EXPRESSION AND AI INTEGRATION (ATRIUM)
Kirsten Nagel
This workshop explores how Adobe’s creative tools and responsibly designed AI technologies can transform classrooms into dynamic learning environments, enabling students to express their ideas through various media formats. Attendees will learn practical strategies to integrate multimodal expression and AI into their teaching practices, fostering student engagement and preparing learners for success in a digitally connected world.
2–2 : 25 P.M.
CUT TO THE FUTURE : AI AND THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF FILM PRODUCTION (UR 243)
Cigdem Slankard
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries across the board, the film industry is facing a new set of questions around creativity, labor, authorship and ethics. From generative scripts and deepfake actors to automated editing tools and audience analytics, AI is pushing the paradigm of the film industry. In this talk, we’ll explore how AI is potentially transforming the way films are written, made, distributed and experienced. Drawing on examples from both mainstream cinema and independent productions, this presentation examines the promises and pitfalls of AI in filmmaking.
2–2 : 50 P.M. GENERATIVE AI TEXTBOOKS? CREATING COURSE CONTENT WITH GENERATIVE AI (ATRIUM)
Mandi Goodsett
Creating high quality course content is difficult and time-consuming, and commercial materials can be expensive. Can generative AI change things? In this workshop, we’ll use AI to generate course content and see where these tools excel and fall short.
USING AI IN RESEARCH AND WRITING (BONDA ROOM — UR 245)
Mackie O’Hara
This workshop introduces practical ways to use AI tools in the research and writing process. Participants will explore how large language models can assist with idea development, organization and revision, with examples to show how these tools can support academic work.
PANEL DISCUSSION : STRAIGHT TALK FROM STUDENTS — HOW I’M USING AI IN MY CLASSES (ATRIUM)
Facilitated by Xiongyi Liu
In this candid student panel, learners share how they’re actually using AI in their classes — from homework help and study tools to writing support and creative projects. Hear firsthand what’s working, what’s not and how students are thinking about AI in their academic lives. This discussion offers a grounded look at the real role of AI in the student experience.
2:25–2 : 50 P.M.
EXPLORING ADOBE’S AI DIGITAL TOOLS FOR IMAGING (UR 243)
Heather Caprette
Initially used for features like facial recognition, Adobe’s AI now powers sophisticated tools in Creative Cloud. Current tools can remove distracting elements with Content Aware Fill, add content where it wasn’t before with Generative Expand and create images from text prompts. This presentation explores how these tools can enhance and create images.
3–4 P.M.
OPPORTUNITY FOR NETWORKING
Wrap up the day by connecting with fellow attendees, reflecting on what you’ve learned and exploring new ideas together. This informal networking session offers space for conversation, collaboration and winding down after a full day of AI exploration.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS :