As generative AI tools continue to reshape possibilities across higher education, institutions must explore a spectrum of thoughtful, practical strategies that meet both their culture and operational goals. This panel brings together leaders from Wesleyan and Colgate to share three complementary case studies of how AI is being deployed to enhance administrative operations, campus support, and technical infrastructure. From empowering staff to experiment with AI tools, to introducing automated support in a high-touch environment, to building custom in-house solutions, this session offers a multi-dimensional look at how AI adoption can align with institutional values while paving the way for innovation. Rachel Schnepper will share how Wesleyan University launched an AI Staff Ambassador Program that trains administrative staff to explore efficiencies using generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Karen Warren will follow with Wesleyan’s experience rolling out a ServiceNow chatbot to support the Workday transition, balancing automation with the personal touch their campus expects. Ahmad Khazaee and Tolga Dincer from Colgate University will conclude by showcasing their journey in developing and deploying custom, private AI tools on campus, including applications in research support, creative technologies, and systems automation. Together, these presentations demonstrate how institutions can creatively and responsibly adopt AI in ways that match their missions and needs. Attendees will walk away with models for staff empowerment, strategies for scalable support, and inspiration for building in-house solutions that respect data privacy while enabling cutting-edge exploration. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or already deploying tools, this session offers grounded insights to spark your next move.
Leadership in IT increasingly means voicing ethical principles to our institutions as the custodians of technology. This talk addresses that responsibility.
As the conference theme this year-- CLAC Attack(Ed)-- suggests, many of us feel particularly under siege these days. Whether it's the enrollment cliff, cybercriminals, uncertainty of federal funding and resources, the media, global supply chains, or any of a myriad of other threats or concerns; it can be hard to navigate as an institutional leader. Just the sheer volume and variety of challenges can feel overwhelming. Join a few colleagues for a highly interactive and also informal discussion of the challenges (and maybe even some opportunities?) that come from leading in times of great institutional uncertainty. Bring your questions, ideas and insights! Let's share our best thinking on approaches for navigating in these particularly rough waters.
Dave Baird joined Wesleyan in 2012. He holds a PhD in geophysics from Cornell University and obtained his undergraduate degree in geology and physics from the University of New Brunswick (Canada). He has over 20 years of leadership experience using technology to improve education... Read More →
The session will explore how our structured, tiered training model — encompassing systems training, data analysis skills, and leadership development — drives strategic outcomes.
Explore how strategic storytelling and creative writing techniques enable IT teams in higher ed to convey complex goals, align stakeholders, and advocate for resources through compelling narratives.
How our LMS Evaluation made the Sr. Assoc. Provost say “This was a model for how to initiate broad systems-level change in a collaborative, inclusive manner. I’ve learned a lot through this process.”
Director of Academic Technology, Dickinson College
I am the Director of Academic Technology at Dickinson College. Prior to joining Dickinson, I spent 7 years at Wilson College in a similar role. As a former classroom teacher who has an invisible disability, I am very interested in how technology can have positive impacts on student... Read More →
