Home - AI Connections: Independent Schools - Denison University Conferences

About AI Connections

AI Connections is a collaborative workshop grounded in shared values of curiosity, creativity, and ethical leadership. It brings together independent school leaders and Denison educators to explore the opportunities and tensions AI introduces across educational settings, co-create mission-aligned resources for classrooms and communities, and strengthen pathways between K–12 and the liberal arts so students are prepared for a rapidly changing world. Together, we’ll build a network of educators committed to helping young people become discerning, capable, and confident learners in the age of AI.

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Welcome & Dinner

Dinner with Denison leadership and staff at The Granville Inn for conversation around the future of AI in education.

9:00 am - 9:30 am

Welcome & Framing the Day

Introductions
Defining AI Literacy

9:30 am - 10:30 am

AI Foundations Session

An introduction to AI including:

What it is/how it works
Best prompting practices
Limitations and ethical considerations

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Steal My Idea Session

Optional opportunity for participants to share projects, tools, and initiatives from their schools in a collaborative, idea-trading conversation.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch with Denison Students

Enjoy lunch and authentic conversation with Denison student leaders about their experiences learning and using AI.

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

AI + The Future of Careers Presentation

A candid conversation with Melanie Murphy, the Executive Director of The Knowlton Career Center, about AI trends, student career readiness, and how AI is reshaping the future of work and career development.

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

AI Mindshare

Small groups will engage in guided conversation to surface patterns, challenges, and opportunities across institutions.

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Leading in the Age of AI

Presentation of key components of effective AI policies, four levers of AI-driven change, and ready-to-use frameworks for your teachers.

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

AI Student Ambassador Showcase and Panel

An exciting showcase featuring creative projects and ideas our AI Student Ambassadors have been exploring this year. After the showcase, we’ll also host a panel where ambassadors will share their perspectives on both the opportunities and concerns surrounding AI, including what excites them, what worries them, and how they’re thinking critically about its impact on education and daily life.

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Dinner

Dinner and further discussion with Denison students about AI.

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Wrap-Up

A reflective conversation synthesizing insights, next steps, and shared commitments for strengthening AI connections across K-12 and higher education.

10:00 am - 10:50 am

Optional: Campus Tour

Campus tour with our Admissions team.

Testimonials From Our AI Program Participants

Needless to say, the event did not disappoint. It was, in fact, one of the best professional development programs that I have attended. The content was incredibly well organized and delivered, while being pitched with enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a creative variety of activities.
AI Summit Participant
University Provost

Harnessing all this brain power and years of experience- wow! I imagine this is what it’s like to work in a think tank. It was truly amazing.
Denison AI Mindshare Participant
IT Professional

I gathered both actionable ideas that I can execute on immediately and over the long term at both an individual and institutional level. I will be able to share out these ideas at various levels with the departments and AI teams I collaborate with.
Denison AI Mindshare Participant
IT Professional

After the first hour or two the imposter syndrome I had disappeared! Everyone was so welcoming , positive, and supportive. The connections that I have made are invaluable and so needed!
AI Summit Participant
IT Professional

Pricing & Registration

$400 per person

Location

Denison University

100 West College Street, Granville, OH 43023

Additional details

Discounted hotel block available at The Granville Inn ($199/night). Book by Thursday, January 22nd. (740) 587-3333. The Columbus airport is 30 miles away, with plenty of Uber and Ride Share availability.

AI Connections: Independent Schools