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.
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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.