Tomorrow: Eastern to host education in the age of AI conference
Willimantic, CT (03/23/2026) — Eastern Connecticut State University will explore AI's impact on learning, creativity, and research during a campus-wide conference tomorrow, March 24, in the Student Center.
The "Liberal Arts Education in the Age of AI Colloquium" will bring together faculty, students, educators, and industry professionals to examine how generative AI is reshaping higher education and the workforce.
Beginning with a 9 a.m. keynote presentation, Dr. Lewis Ludwig (Denison University) will address the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI in education and offer insight into how students and faculty can navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
SCHEDULE:
- 8:45-9:00 AM - Welcome
- 9:00-9:50 AM - Keynote
- "We Didn't Ask for This: A Pragmatist's Guide to AI and Teaching," featuring Dr. Lewis Ludwig
- 10:00-10:50 AM - Concurrent Sessions
- Track 1: Teaching with AI
- AI in team-based research projects
- Designing AI tools/agents in curriculum
- Using AI for open educational resources
- Track 2: Research & Creative Work with AI
- AI-generated simulations (traffic/hazard scenarios)
- AI in healthcare operations research
- AI as cognitive augmentation
- Track 1: Teaching with AI
- 11:00-11:45 AM - Student perspectives on generative AI
- 11:50 AM-12:25 PM - Faculty panel: Disciplinary perspectives on AI
- 1:30-2:20 PM - Concurrent Sessions
- Track 1: Teaching with AI
- Reducing AI misuse through course design
- Practical classroom integration
- AI and student engagement/creativity
- Track 2: Research & Professional Practice
- AI across the research process
- Cross-disciplinary AI upskilling
- Track 1: Teaching with AI
- 2:20-2:55 PM - Faculty panel: Reflections on AI grant work
- 3:00-3:55 PM - Industry/professional perspectives on AI
- 4:00-4:55 PM - P-12 educator perspectives on AI
FULL SCHEDULE:
- https://www.easternct.edu/liberalarts-ai-colloquium/index.html
- Program attached in URL below.
PRESS:
- Members of the media are invited to attend.
- RSVP with Michael Rouleau: (860)465-0172; rouleaum@easternct.edu.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Attendees may participate in individual sessions or attend the full day of programming.
- Admission is free.
###
Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-26 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
Eastern Connecticut State University
Michael Rouleau, (860) 465-0172, rouleaum@easternct.edu; communications@easternct.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Eastern launches novel simulation for social work and theatre students
- Eastern selected for national student success initiative
- Eastern to host graduate program info session on April 23
- Eastern's 'Earth Day Market' returns with nearly 30 vendors
- This Week: College student altruism on display in Windham with 2 events
- More Connecticut high schoolers taking college classes
- Eastern to host fitness challenge for future first responders
- College theatre: Youthful tale 'The Burrow' to take audiences underground
- WECS Radio presents 'Willipalooza' music festival
- Public health leaders convene at Eastern for National Public Health Week panel