Office of Academic Innovation Summer Conference Focuses on AI in Higher Education

Source Domain: www.cpp.edu

Conference Theme: The 2026 Office of Academic Innovation Summer Conference, themed “Human at the Core: Navigating AI in Higher Education,” focused on exploring AI’s role in teaching, learning, and university operations while maintaining the importance of human creativity and critical thinking.
Dates and Venue: The two-day event was held on June 3-4, 2026, and was hosted by Cal Poly Pomona in collaboration with faculties and institutions outside the university.
Tracks and Sessions: The conference included two tracks—AI in the Classroom and AI Outside the Classroom—offering sessions on practical applications of AI, emerging technologies, and strategies to integrate AI responsibly.
Keynote Speakers: The conference featured keynotes from Frank Wuerthwein, Andrew Currah, and Tiffany Zhu, focusing on research computing, educational innovation, and technology ethics respectively.
Emphasis on Intentional AI Use: Key discussions centered around using AI to augment rather than replace human capabilities, ensuring technology supports rather than detracts from critical thinking and creativity.
Preparing Students for the Future: Perspectives from educators like Monica Palomo, Belal Hasan, and David Peña highlighted AI’s potential to enhance teaching, personalize learning, and prepare students for new workforce demands.
Institutional Commitment: The conference reinforced Cal Poly Pomona’s commitment to innovation through artificial intelligence, highlighting its role in cybersecurity, geographic information systems, and fostering collaborative research.
Professional Development: The event showcased ongoing efforts to support faculty and staff with professional development, encouraging collaboration, and responsible innovation as AI evolves in higher education settings.