Events

The Templeton Institute's "Great AI Debate" at Steinmetz Day 2024

Date: Steinmetz Day, Friday May 10, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Place: Olin 115 Auditorium

The aim of this session is to showcase the varied impacts of Artificial Intelligence on higher education. We will explore Artificial Intelligence in the context of Union's liberal arts model of education, which emphasizes the technical aspects and humanist aspects of a topic like AI in equal measure. We will hear faculty and student perspectives on issues such as the ethics around AI, philosophical aspects of machine intelligence, and the use of AI technology to solve complex problems. The participants have been selected by the Co-Directors of the Templeton Institute to showcase diverse views on AI at the College. This event brings together short lightning talks on these topics with roughly a half-hour discussion among panelists and with the audience. All are welcome to attend and join the conversation.

Talk By Professor Rudi Seising on A History of Artificial Intelligence

Date: Thursday May 23, 2024
Time: 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM
Place: Lippmann 016

Prof. Rudi Seising is a senior research fellow in the Research Institute of the German Museum in Munich, one of the largest science and technology museums in the world, and is a lecturer in history of technology at the University of Munich. Union's History Department and Templeton Institute have partnered to host Prof. Seising for this lecture.

One of our signature events, TI Wednesdays, brings together faculty and staff to meet with their colleagues, get to know each other better, and discuss new ideas and potential integrative collaborations. Each TI Wednesday features a topic (e.g., Academic Honesty, Artificial Intelligence, etc.), and participants will be encouraged to spend at least part of the time discussing such topics together. From time to time, a brief “lightning talk” may be scheduled to stimulate conversation.

DEIB stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. At Union College, we strive to enhance our vibrant learning and working community that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and a sense of belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Leading with wisdom, empathy and courage, we share the responsibility of creating a welcoming environment where each and every person at Union is respected and valued. - From the College’s DEIB Statement

Students come to Union hailing from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, each bringing a unique voice to their writing.

How can faculty:

• foster a respectful, inclusive academic environment
• promote cultural understanding
• avoid stigmatizing some linguistic practices
• support BIPOC, international and multilingual identities

The Maker Web has worked with nearly 80 faculty across all 4 divisions in 23 of the 28 academic departments to integrate "making" and hands-on learning into courses and research! Join us Wednesday to learn more and talk with other faculty using the Labs!

• Explore and discuss how to integrate Maker Web resources into your teaching and research.
• Speak directly with faculty that are developing innovative strategies to incorporate the Maker Web into their courses.
• Ideate with colleagues and identify intersections between campus resources and your academic interests.