WU Tech Day - Hosted by the Office of the CIO

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Kick off the morning with refreshments and networking. Connect with colleagues, talk with vendors, and get ready for a day of discovery and insight.

Kickstarting WU Tech Day 2025, Jeremy Lovato will welcome attendees and set the stage for a day of technology exploration, insightful discussions, and practical learning. This introduction will highlight the event’s purpose, the importance of AI and emerging tech in our work, and the opportunities ahead. Attendees will gain an overview of what to expect throughout the day and how these sessions can support their roles and goals at Willamette.

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AI is making its way into classrooms, research, and administrative workflows, but what does that actually look like? This faculty-led panel will explore real-world AI applications across disciplines, highlighting practical use cases, challenges, and opportunities. Facilitated by Justus Eaglesmith, double Alum (MBA and Data Science) and member of Oregon’s AI Task Force, this session will help create a shared understanding of how AI is being explored at Willamette and provide insights for those looking to integrate AI into their teaching and work.

• Brandi Row Lazzarini - College of Arts and Sciences - Bio
• Peter Wogan - College of Arts and Sciences - Bio
• Kate McCallum - Pacific Northwest College of Art - Bio
• Stephanie Davidson - School of Law - Bio
• Lucas Cordova - School of Computing and Information Sciences - Bio
• Robert Walker - Atkinson Graduate School of Management - Bio

Beyond Automation: Practical AI Solutions in Higher Ed
Cat Cavern

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AI is already transforming teaching, research, and operations at institutions like Harvard and MIT—but what does that actually look like in practice? Join Stack AI Leadership, to explore how their no-code AI platform is enabling universities to build custom AI tools that enhance learning, streamline workflows, and improve engagement. We’ll hear how Stack AI has collaborated with institutions like Harvard, MIT, and others to implement AI-powered chatbots, interactive course assistants, and workflow automation, helping institutions solve real challenges in education and administration.

A Google Workspace Odyssey
Alumni Lounge

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Sarah will discuss possible uses for Google Sites in and out of the classroom. Explore the world of customizable, easy-to-build, code-free website creation.

Tiara will introduce Google Appointment Scheduling in Google Calendar. Learn how to create booking sites utilizing your Google Calendar or a Shared Calendar.

Monika will discuss Google integrations in Canvas: Google Collaborations in Docs, Slides, Forms, and Sites, She will also cover Google assignments, and embedding content from Google Drive into Canvas Modules.

Navigating Colleague Finance: Tips and Tricks for Budgeting and Efficiency
Autzen

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Building on last year’s insightful session, this workshop explores key strategies for optimizing budgeting and financial workflows in Colleague Finance. Designed for both administrative and academic users, this session will highlight practical tips and best practices for streamlining budget planning and financial processes. Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to Colleague Finance, this session will provide valuable insights to help you manage budgets and financial tasks more effectively. Bring your questions and get ready to unlock new levels of efficiency.

AI in Cybersecurity: Navigating the New Frontier of Cyber Defense
Harrison Conference Room

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In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, traditional security measures are often insufficient. Devin Johnstone, Security Operations Domain Consultant at Palo Alto Networks with vast experience in network security, threat intelligence, and cloud security will delve into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern cybersecurity. Attendees will gain insights into how AI enhances threat detection, enables proactive defense strategies, and addresses the evolving landscape of cyber threats. The discussion will also cover the benefits and challenges associated with integrating AI into cybersecurity frameworks, providing a comprehensive overview of how AI is shaping the future of cyber defense.

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President Thorsett will share his insight for AI and technology’s role in supporting our university’s mission and fostering a collaborative, innovative campus environment.

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Keynote: The Shifting Sands

Higher education stands at a pivotal crossroads in 2025, shaped by technological disruption, shifting student expectations, economic pressures, and broader societal changes. Join Ellucian leaders to explore key trends and challenges facing institutions, faculty, and students in this rapidly evolving landscape and how Ellucian's vision for transformation is now a reality

Lunch & Conversation: Perspectives on Technology, Leadership, and Growth

Enjoy a complimentary lunch, generously provided by Ellucian as we hear from technology leaders sharing their personal stories, insights on navigating the intersection of technology and education, and reflections on the challenges and opportunities that come with driving innovation in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This conversation will offer valuable advice for professionals at all stages of their careers, while highlighting the importance of Woman in Technology, diverse voices, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership in shaping the future of technology and higher education.

Building AI-Ready Institutions: Infrastructure, Strategy, and Real-World Solutions
Autzen

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Eric Bursley brings over 30 years of IT experience with a strong focus on AI solutions and infrastructure readiness. As an Nvidia AI Advisor and U.S. Army Combat Veteran, Eric combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership. His work helps institutions navigate the complexities of AI adoption, from identifying business objectives to building and hosting AI applications in private and hybrid cloud environments.

Coursedog in Action: Practical Insights on Scheduling & Curriculum
Alumni Lounge

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As Willamette continues implementing Coursedog, this session will provide a practical look at where we are and what’s next. Mary Collins will walk through the current scheduling tools, introduce Coursedog’s predictive scheduling features, and share insights on curriculum management. While the system is still evolving, this session will set realistic expectations for its capabilities and what users can expect moving forward. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to engage with Coursedog now and how it may support scheduling and curriculum workflows in the future.

Maximizing MyWillamette: Content, Engagement, and Best Practices
Harrison Conference Room

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MyWillamette is more than just a portal—it’s a community-centric intranet, a communication hub, and a content publishing platform designed to help departments, offices, and organizations create a well- structured, engaging digital presence. As we continue to roll out and refine this tool, this session will offer practical guidance on how to best leverage its features.

This discussion will be particularly relevant for those involved in managing sites for their areas, with a focus on how moderators can structure content, making their office, department, or organization stand out, and collaborate effectively to create a dynamic, well-organized digital space.

Supporting Education and Administration with Apple
Cat Cavern

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This presentation highlights real-world applications of Apple Intelligence, which helps in driving productivity, fostering engagement, and supporting innovative teaching practices. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging Apple’s Intelligence for professional and educational growth by integrating digital tools and emerging technologies into classrooms. Apple Intelligence, integrated into system experiences and apps, delivers useful and relevant intelligence, enhancing productivity and creativity privately and securely to create an enriching classroom experience for both faculty and students.

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To close out WU Tech Day, Jameson Watts, Ph.D., will take a practical look at AI and the nature of intelligence—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it continues to evolve. With expertise in AI, computing, and information sciences, Dean Watts will explore how intelligence is defined, the role of experience in learning, and the frontiers of AI research—all without the hype. Join us for an engaging and thoughtful discussion as we wrap up the day and consider what AI’s progress means for education, work, and our understanding of technology.

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WU Tech Day AI Challenge - Receive $100 Gift Card Provided by TechHeads

Jump into the fun with the WU Tech Day AI Challenge, designed to spark creativity and give you a chance to play with generative AI in a lighthearted way!

Challenge Options:

• Slogan Challenge: Use your initials to generate a catchy slogan for WU Tech Day 2026. For example, using JAL could inspire “Jumpstarting AI Learning!” – now it's your turn to create something clever and fun!
• Visual Challenge: Use AI to create an outlandish image of Bearcats in imaginative situations – from Bearcats exploring Mars to leading a tech revolution – let your creativity run wild!

Submit your entry through the AI Challenge Submission Form. One entry per participant. Selected entries will receive a $100 gift card provided by TechHeads during the Closing Session – we can’t wait to see your creations!

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Discover how the latest Colleague Saas features are designed to enhance the student experience and improve administrative efficiency. This session will showcase new tools and AI powered functionality supporting key student services such as registration, advising, financial aid, and course scheduling, helping institutions deliver seamless and effective support to their students.