AI Convening 2025 - Reimagining Teaching, Research, and Innovation at Cal Poly
Event Overview
The inaugural AI Convening 2025 brought together faculty, staff, students, and industry partners to explore responsible, human-centered applications of artificial intelligence in higher education.
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Location: Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL), Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Recordings: Session recordings are posted below as they become available.
Themes
- Ethical AI and Academic Integrity
- Generative AI for Learning Design
- Faculty, Staff, and Student AI Literacy
- Campus AI Tools and Policy
Session Recordings
- Opening Remarks — Chris Lupo & Al Liddicoat
- Faculty Panel — AI in Teaching and Learning
- Student Perspective - Learning with AI (Xander Levine)
- Faculty Panel — AI in Research and Innovation
- Staff Panel — AI in University Operations
- Industry Keynote — Dr. Mekena McGrew
- Student Perspective - The Future with AI (Tyler Michael Luby Howard) + Closing Remarks (Chris Lupo)
- Special Announcement
AI Resources
Following the AI Convening 2025, we’ve gathered tools and training links to help faculty and staff continue exploring responsible, human-centered AI in teaching, research, and university operations. The resources below are grouped by audience and will be updated as new materials become available.
AI Resources for Faculy & Staff
- Custom ChatGPT and ChatGPT Projects
Examine the difference between Custom ChatGPTs and ChatGPT Projects, including how to create and test each one. - Enhancing Your Workflow with ChatGPT
Build foundational ChatGPT Edu skills in this interactive session designed for CSU employees. - CSU AI Courses & Training for Staff
Learn how AI can enhance efficiency, productivity, and innovation in the workplace.
AI Resources for Teaching & Learning
- AI Syllabus Statements and Core Values
Information about AI core values and example syllabus language for faculty use. - Resources for Teaching and Learning with AI
A curated collection to help faculty integrate Artificial Intelligence in teaching and learning.
AI Planning Survey
- AI Symposium 2026 Planning Survey
Provide feedback to shape topics and sessions for the 2026 AI Symposium (May 7).
Poster Session & Staff AI Showcase
The 2025 showcase featured projects from across Cal Poly’s colleges and divisions.
- View Poster Session Program / Abstracts (PDF)
- View Poster Session + Showcase Projects (PDF + PowerPoints)
Program Schedule (Archive)
The schedule below reflects the November 6 program. Session recordings are linked at the top of this page.
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00–9:00 AM | Registration & Coffee | ATL Lobby |
| 9:00–9:30 AM | Opening Remarks | ATL Auditorium |
| 9:40–10:40 AM | Faculty Panel: AI in Teaching & Learning | ATL Auditorium |
| 10:45–11:00 AM | Break | |
| 11:00 AM–12:10 PM | Faculty Panel: AI in Research & Innovation | ATL Auditorium |
| 12:15–1:15 PM | Faculty Poster Session & Staff AI Showcase (lunch provided) | Bonderson High Bay |
| 1:30–2:30 PM | Staff Panel: AI in University Operations | ATL Auditorium |
| 2:30–2:45 PM | Break | |
| 2:45–3:45 PM | Industry Keynote: AI and Business Transformation (Dr. Mekena McGrew, Deloitte) | ATL Auditorium |
| 3:45–4:00 PM | Closing Reflections | ATL Auditorium |
| 4:00–5:30 PM | Reception & Networking | ATL Atrium |
Speakers & Panels (Archive)
Keynote
Deloitte’s Dr. Mekena McGrew — AI and Business Transformation
Dr. Mekena McGrew, quantum information lead at Deloitte and member of the Noyce School of Applied Computing Advisory Board, shared industry perspectives on how AI drives innovation and organizational change.
Faculty Panels
AI in Teaching and Learning
Moderator: Leida Chen (AI Faculty Fellow, OCOB)
Panelists: Dr. Ava Wright (Philosophy, CLA); Dr. Amir Hajrasouliha (City & Regional Planning, CAED); Dr. Stern Neill (Marketing, OCOB); Dr. Stina Attebery (Interdisciplinary Studies, CLA)
AI in Research and Innovation
Moderator: Dr. Ryan Jenkins (Philosophy, CLA)
Panelists: Dr. Foaad Khosmood (Computer Engineering / Computer Science & Software Engineering, CENG); Dr. Sarah Senk (English, CLA); Dr. Taiyo Inouye (Mathematics, BCSM); Dr. Franz Kurfess (Computer Science & Software Engineering, CENG); Dr. Javier Gonzalez-Sanchez (Computer Science & Software Engineering, CENG)
Staff Panel
AI in University Operations
Moderator: Cheryl May (Special Advisor to the Provost and EVP)
Panelists: Darin Matthews (Administration & Finance); Erin Davis (University Communications & Marketing); Clint Hahlbeck (Bailey College of Science & Mathematics); Andrew Ostler (Information Technology Services)
Contact
For questions, please contact academicaffairs@calpoly.edu.