About this Event
The Office of Academic Innovation Summer Conference brings together faculty, staff, and higher education leaders from Cal Poly Pomona and beyond for a two-day exploration of Human at the Core: Navigating AI in Higher Education.
As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes how we teach, learn, and prepare students for the workforce, this dynamic conference will dive into the evolving intersection of education, technology, and work. Participants will engage with forward-thinking ideas, practical strategies, and emerging trends that are redefining higher education in the age of AI.
What to Expect
- Inspiring keynote speakers from higher education and industry
- Engaging panel discussions on AI’s impact on teaching, learning, and workforce readiness
- Interactive sessions highlighting innovative tools, practices, and policies
- Opportunities to connect with colleagues and thought leaders across disciplines
Who Should Attend
- Faculty and staff from CPP and outside universities
- Academic leaders and administrators
- Student support professionals
- Anyone interested in the future of higher education, innovation, and work
Takeaways
- A deeper understanding of how AI is transforming higher education and careers
- Practical insights you can apply in classrooms, programs, and institutional planning
- New perspectives on preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce
Join us for two days of conversation, collaboration, and discovery as we imagine, and shape, the future of higher education and work together!
Day 1: June 3, 2026
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Check In & Breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Host: Dr. Olukemi Sawyerr
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Digital Assets in the Classroom, a Revolution in Higher Education
Host: Dr. Frank Wuerthwein
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Apple’s Approach to AI: Possibilities for Higher Education
Host: Dr. Andrew Currah
🕑: 11:45 AM - 01:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Integrating AI Tools in Curriculum and Instruction
Host: Dr. Mingheng Li
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Coding with AI: Codex for Research and Coursework Workshop
Host: Dr. Yufin Lin
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Break
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
AI Tools in the Research Process: Exploring Consensus & Research Rabbit
Host: Dr. Shonn Haren
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
From Ideas to Impact Outside the Classroom: Using AI in Your Daily Work
Host: Kevin Malone
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:45 PM
Wrap Up & Collective Reflection
Day 2: June 4, 2026
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
AI Image Generators in Higher Education: Practices and Ethical Considerations
Host: Dr. Tiffany Zhu
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 PM
Break
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
AI in Research: Smarter Drones, Safer Aircraft, and Faster Research
Host: Dr. Alex Harwood
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Case Studies From Units Using AI Effectively
Host: Beth Lee
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Faculty Panel: Navigating AI Policies in the Classroom
Host: Dr. Devon Hackleton
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
AI in Practice: A Community Discussion
Host: Dr. Emily Kiresich
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Industry Panel - AI Research Resources
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Break
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Student Voices of Innovation: Solving Business and Societal Challenges with AI
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Wrap Up & Reflection
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cal Poly Pomona-College of Business Administration (Building 162), 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, United States
USD 161.90 to USD 241.94
