Connecticut College AI and the Liberal Arts Symposium: Full Schedule

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3:25pm EDT

From Shortcut to Thought Partner: Training Liberal Arts Students to Collaborate With AI

Friday October 16, 2026 3:25pm - 3:55pm EDT

This session introduces Colgate University’s Innovation Fellows and their use of AI, and its evolution into a new undergraduate consulting program that pairs human-centered design (Design Thinking) with intentional, responsible AI use to solve real campus problems. Rather than viewing AI as a shortcut, this program trains liberal arts students to leverage it as an active collaborative thought partner for synthesizing research, stress-testing prototypes, and generating ideas.The session highlights their inaugural pilot success: a partnership with Colgate’s ITS Service Desk to rethink and revise intern training. Using empathy-gathering interviews, observations, and surveys, as well as a design sprint, the student team produced a training program that includes AI-generated instructional content, a role-playing simulation game, and a skills progression rubric. The proposal was accepted by ITS for implementation beginning summer 2026. Presenters will detail the program's design, AI learning outcomes, and pilot results, while examining why liberal arts institutions are uniquely positioned to model this work.

Speakers

Karen Harpp

Professor, Colgate University

Ahmad Khazaee

Director of creative technologies, engagement and support, Colgate University

Ahmad is currently the director of creative Technologies, Engagement and Support. With previous roles in student support, instructional support, and desktop administration he is able to leverage a variety of perspectives when approaching new problems.

Friday October 16, 2026 3:25pm - 3:55pm EDT
Blaustein 210

Teach the Room, AI, the Liberal Arts, and the Future of Work

Company Colgate University

Connecticut College AI and the Liberal Arts Symposium

3:25pm EDT

Karen Harpp

Ahmad Khazaee

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