Professional Development Day highlights St. Norbert College’s thoughtful approach to AI

As faculty and staff gathered for Professional Development Day this month, one theme emerged across multiple sessions: artificial intelligence is now a reality for higher education, and St. Norbert College is approaching it with the same commitment to critical thinking, ethical discernment and community that defines a Norbertine education.

Designed to inspire, connect and equip employees for the academic year ahead, Professional Development Day featured more than a dozen sessions shaped by feedback and topic suggestions from faculty and staff. While topics ranged from student engagement and trauma-informed care to communication tools and mission integration, several sessions focused specifically on artificial intelligence and its growing role in teaching, learning and campus life.

“Professional Development Day demonstrated that St. Norbert College is approaching AI with both curiosity and care,” said Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., president of St. Norbert College. “As artificial intelligence continues to shape higher education and society, our faculty and staff are examining how these tools can enhance learning, strengthen human connection and advance our mission. Guided by Pope Leo XIV’s call to remain mindful of humanity amid rapid technological change, we are committed to ensuring innovation serves people, communities and the values that define a Norbertine education.”

The conversations built upon a year of significant progress at St. Norbert College. Throughout the past academic year, faculty and staff participated in the American Association of Colleges and Universities’ Institute on AI, Pedagogy and the Curriculum, conducted a campus-wide AI survey and developed guidance to support responsible AI integration across the college community. Director of Educational Technology Krissy Lukens and Instructional Designer Molly Lucareli have helped lead these efforts.

“AI is one of those topics that touches nearly every area of the college. Professional Development Day provided an opportunity for colleagues to learn from one another and continue building a thoughtful approach that aligns with our mission and values.” 

Krissy Lukens, director of educational technology and Molly Lucareli, instructional designer

One of the day’s most interactive sessions, “The AI Effect: AI and Human Connection,” invited participants to explore the relationship between technology and humanity through a card game designed to spark conversation. The conversation reflected one of the key priorities that has emerged throughout SNC’s AI work: ensuring technology enhances, rather than replaces, meaningful human interaction.

In “AI and Authentic Assessment,” Lucareli led participants through discussions surrounding a newly drafted AI Assignment Scale and how it can be incorporated into course syllabi. The session challenged faculty to reconsider traditional assignments and explore assessment strategies that more authentically measure student learning in an era when AI tools are increasingly accessible.

“AI: A Year in Review & Looking Forward,” led by Lukens and Eric Hagedorn (Economics), provided participants with an overview of the progress made across campus during the past academic year. The session highlighted key initiatives from the past academic year, shared findings from the spring campus-wide AI survey and invited attendees to provide feedback on a draft AI Position Statement. The session served as both a reflection on recent progress and a discussion of the college’s next steps in AI education.

Although AI was a prominent topic throughout the day, the conversations were grounded in the broader mission of the college. That connection was especially evident in “Ex Corde Ecclesiae: The Catholic Church’s Vision for Catholic Higher Education,” presented by the Rev. Matthew Dougherty, O. Praem., assistant professor of biology and special assistant to the president for mission integration. The session explored the Catholic Church’s vision for higher education as articulated in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, emphasizing academic excellence, the pursuit of truth, service and the integration of faith and reason. Those themes provided an important framework for discussions throughout the day, including conversations about AI and education.

Professional Development Day showcased how St. Norbert College is preparing for the future of AI while remaining grounded in its mission, values and commitment to student success.