First Concurrent Sessions
10:30-11:30 a.m.
"Where Do We Go From Here? An Open Q&A with Dr. Elkins"
Dr. Katherine Elkins, Kenyon College
Christiansen Recital Hall, Hvidsten Hall of Music
Join Dr. Elkins for an open Q&A session focused on practical next steps. Whether you're a student wondering how to choose a career, faculty navigating ChatGPT in the classroom, or staff considering institutional approaches, bring your questions about getting started with AI. This will be a responsive discussion tailored to attendee needs.
"Leading AI Responsibly: Living and Learning with an AI + Human Workforce"
Dr. Elizabeth Adams, EMA Advisory Services
Birkeland Alumni Lounge, Offutt Concourse
In this session, Dr. Adams will share her personal journey into Responsible AI and invite participants into dialogue.
"Jesus Bots, Grief Bots, and Therapy Bots: Can AI Provide Authentic Human and Spiritual Connection?"
Michael Johnson, Assistant Professor of Religion
ISC 201
What happens when we turn to artificial intelligence for our deepest human needs — spiritual guidance, emotional healing, and connection with those we've lost? Join us for an eye-opening exploration of the rapidly expanding world of AI chatbots that claim to be Jesus, simulate deceased loved ones, or provide mental health support. Through interactive demonstrations with select AI systems, we'll experience firsthand how these technologies work while grappling with profound questions about authenticity, connection, and what makes relationships truly human.
As millions worldwide engage with profit-driven Jesus bots offering 24/7 spiritual counsel, grief bots promising digital immortality, and therapy bots addressing our mental health crisis, we must ask: Can algorithms truly understand suffering, offer genuine comfort, or provide sacred wisdom? What do we gain — and what might we lose — when AI speaks for Jesus, when we substitute AI for human counselors, spiritual mentors, or the natural process of grief? Together, we'll explore the promises and perils of these technologies, examining both their potential to democratize access to support and their risks of exploitation, dependency, and theological confusion. This session invites students from all faith backgrounds and perspectives to engage in critical dialogue about preserving authentic human connection in an age of increasingly sophisticated artificial relationships.
"Fiction in the Age of AI"
Jen Ristau, Lisa Eggebraaten, and Kevin Baggett, Carl B. Ylvisaker Library
Library Classroom
Using the recent novel “Playground” by Richard Powers as a jumping-off point, this concurrent session will ponder the roles of AI in fiction writing and fiction as a useful tool in thinking about AI. In his Guardian review of the novel, writer, and literary critic Yagnishsing Dawoor writes, “The novel’s most disquieting inquiries are concerned with AI and its fast-evolving capabilities. Is it the future of storytelling?” In this interactive discussion, attendees will be encouraged to debate these questions and more.
"AI and the Environment"
Dr. Darin Ulness, Professor of Chemistry
Barry Auditorium, Grant Center
A fact-based cost/benefit analysis of AI development in relation to the climate crisis. Focus will be on energy and the resulting carbon dioxide production. Because AI development both produces carbon dioxide and also holds promise for addressing carbon dioxide levels, this question is quite nuanced. 30-40 minutes of the material will be presented followed by time for discussion.
"Concordia AI Tools: Pathways, Realities, and Opportunities"
Executive Director Erik Ramstad and Chief Security Officer Tony Pietrzak, Information Technology Services; Kari Lucin, Media Relations Specialist
Jones A/B, Morrie Jones Conference Center
Are you curious about which AI tools the college may support, recommend, or adopt? Join us for a discussion to explore the future of “Concordia AI.” We’ll discuss how AI can enhance workplace efficiency, uphold security and online safety, align with ethical standards, and reflect Concordia’s institutional values. Panelists will outline our strategy, processes, and considerations — and invite your questions. This session is ideal for faculty, staff, and students who want to understand and help shape the role of AI at Concordia.
"Policing and AI"
Assistant Chief Bill Ahlfeldt and Crime Analyst Cameron Jenson, Moorhead Police Department; Sgt. Joe Crawford, Cass County Sheriff's Office
Olin 124
Assistant Chief Ahlfeldt has been instrumental in bringing real-time data analysis tools and techniques to law enforcement agencies in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Crime analyst Cameron Jenson ’20 leverages law enforcement data and technology to support investigations and enhance officer awareness at the Moorhead Police Department. Sgt. Joe Crawford is the operations administration sergeant for the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and works with school resource deputies, the evidence technician, Axon and Flock specialist, and airboat commander.
AI tools like Flock, used to analyze real-time data, may (or may not) be better at respecting civil rights than a human could be. They clearly provide advantages to law enforcement officials seeking to solve crimes, and they also can have a deterrent effect. The presenters will provide an overview of this category of AI tools, discuss ways various law enforcement agencies use Flock and other such tools, and share thoughts regarding the advantages of these tools to citizens. An extended Q&A session is anticipated.
Second Concurrent Sessions
2:45-3:45 p.m.
"From Bedside to Bot-side: AI Joins the Medical Team"
Dr. Roxana Lupu, Sanford Health
Centrum, Knutson Campus Center
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a futuristic concept — it’s becoming a trusted member of the healthcare team. This talk traces the journey of AI in medicine, from its early use in clinical decision support to its growing role in diagnostics, patient monitoring, and personalized care. We’ll explore the challenges of integrating AI into clinical workflows, including ethical concerns and data limitations, while highlighting the immense opportunities it offers to improve outcomes and reduce burnout. Looking ahead, we’ll discuss how AI can complement — not replace — human expertise, and what it means for the future of compassionate, tech-enabled care.
"Responsible Stewardship of the 6th Wave: Open Q&A with Dr. Adams"
Dr. Elizabeth Adams, EMA Advisory Services
Christiansen Recital Hall, Hvidsten Hall of Music
Dr. Adams will follow her plenary address with an open Q&A session. Bring your questions, scenarios, hopes, and concerns about AI to the recital hall. Expect spirited discussions regarding our individual and collective responsibilities as AI citizens.
"AI and the Sociological Imagination"
Dr. Nicholas Ellig, Emeritus Professor of Sociology
ISC 201
Presenting views on the impact of AI tools on our view of ourselves, our society, and our future, with South Africa as a case for demonstrating how AI represents a development issue that can be understood using a framework informed by the sociological imagination. Participants will be invited to think critically about the implications of AI for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
"Poised for This Moment: A Scalable Approach to Embedding AI Across the Curriculum"
Dr. Pamela Mork and Dr. Julie Mach, Associate Professors of Chemistry
ISC 260
This presentation, targeting faculty and administrators, will focus on how to integrate AI and machine learning literacy into the majors. Using a completed project for chemistry, the presenters will demonstrate how similar concepts and activities can be implemented in other subject areas.
"AI Across the Curriculum: Preparing Students for a Changing World"
Dr. Susan Larson, Provost and Dean of the College
Olin 124
Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education, careers, and civic life. Concordia has the opportunity to lead in preparing AI-fluent leaders prepared to balance technical skill with ethical reflection. This session will share ideas for integrating AI across the curriculum in ways that advance Concordia’s goals for liberal learning, from the first-year experience to discipline-specific applications and career preparation. Students will be invited to offer input and ideas on how AI might best support our mission and shape the future of teaching and learning at Concordia.
"AI’s Promise and Perils: A Panel Debate of Differing Perspectives"
Å·ÃÀÊÓƵ Speech and Debate Team
Barry Auditorium, Grant Center
Come watch members of the Concordia speech and debate team participate in an exhibition debate during which they’ll wrestle with some of the most promising and difficult aspects of AI’s growing place in our lives. Students will engage in a parliamentary debate-style round, which features two teams of two students. This format privileges clear, effective argumentation aimed at a “reasonably well-informed” audience, meaning plain language and a comfortable rate of speech. Enjoy a lively discussion, experience a welcoming style of debate, and offer your own perspective following the round.
"Navigating the AI Era with Confidence: A Practical Guide to Digital Safety"
Marshal Woroniecki, Systems Administrator
Jones A/B, Morrie Jones Conference Center
As artificial intelligence becomes a constant presence in our digital lives, the risks and responsibilities of staying safe online are shifting in new ways. Building on his systems administration expertise and prior work on internet safety, Marshal Woroniecki will offer a practical guide to navigating today’s AI-driven environment with confidence. Participants will learn actionable strategies for protecting personal data, recognizing AI-amplified threats, and fostering responsible digital habits. This session provides both foundational reminders and fresh insights into digital safety for the AI era.
"Emergent Compassion: Designing AI and Education for Systems that Flourish"
Blaine Booher and Katie Burington ’11, Emerging Prairie
Olson Forum 139
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping education, but the values we embed in these systems will shape whether they amplify harm or help communities flourish. This talk explores how AI can take on certain cognitive roles in learning while humans center on compassion, responsibility, and connection. Together, we’ll consider how to design educational systems that balance technological innovation with the wisdom of human interdependence.