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BC Talks AI

An upcoming all-day event for faculty and staff is designed to promote understanding of AI’s role, power, and potential on campus

Over the past year, Boston College’s Informational Technology Services, in collaboration with various University partners, has launched a generative artificial intelligence website, extended training and tools to the BC community for exploring AI through the lens of Jesuit education, and is gearing up to host the second BC Talks AI conference on May 13.

With the theme “Innovate with Integrity,” BC Talks AI is an all-day event designed for faculty and staff to promote and encourage understanding of AI’s role and to embrace its power and potential on campus. Continuing the theme of expanding AI education, this year’s conference will focus on key topics such as teaching, learning, student formation, research, and operational efficiency.

Proposals for BC Talks AI, which are due by February 2, can be submitted via the conference website; decisions will be announced on February 23. According to the guidelines set by BC’s Campus AI Steering Committee, proposals should align with one or more of the conference’s strategic themes, which include: AI engagement and community building; AI in pedagogy and curriculum design; AI tools and skills for administrative efficiency and productivity; generative AI in research methodologies; ethical and societal implications of AI; and integrating AI into student formation and career readiness.

“Last year’s conference was very successful in bringing people together: faculty, researchers, students, and staff, all sharing experiences and learning from one another in the responsible exploration of AI on campus,” said Associate Vice President of ITS Systems & Services Scott Cann. “This technology changes rapidly, and we hope this year’s conference will continue to foster that deliberate inquiry across disciplines.

"It is critical that we work together to understand how AI can advance the University’s mission," Cann said. "I am very grateful that our efforts have been an ongoing collaboration with many areas: The Office of the Provost and Dean of Faculties, BC Libraries, ITS, Center for Digital Innovation in Learning, and Center for Teaching Excellence, with representation from academic administrators, Advancement, Athletics, Human Resources, Internal Audit, Mission and Ministry, Institutional Research & Planning, Facilities, Office of the General Counsel, and Student Affairs."

For questions about the conference, email generativeai@bc.edu. Additional details, including the agenda and registration for the conference, will be sent in an email to members of the BC community in March.