2026 Student Life Professional Development Conference View Other Sessions

Join us for the 2026 Student Life Professional Development Conference - Anchored in Purpose: Evolving Work, Steadfast Mission! This conference is dedicated to recentering ourselves in the midst of increasing change in complexity at work, enabling future opportunities for us and our students, growing our community to meet the ever evolving needs of higher education, and expanding our reach to ensure maximum impact. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at creating a resilient, equitable, and inclusive future.

Our Pre-Conference (Monday, January 26, 2026) includes half or full day Sessions and Workshops. The Conference Day (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) includes 50 Minute Breakout Sessions, Lunch, and 75 Minute Extended Sessions in the afternoon.

This year's conference encompasses four focus areas:

  • Strengthening Our Roots: Professional skill building (core skills, best practices)

  • Growing Our Community: Networking, collaboration, and building inclusive spaces

  • Anchored in Purpose: Leadership, mission-driven work, and ethical decision making

  • Expanding Our Reach: Innovative approaches, emerging student needs, and new programs

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 9, 2026.

There is a $25 charge for Student Life staff and graduate students to attend the conference and a $50 charge for non Student Life staff per day.



Ethical Implications of Discrimination in Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Available Seats 77
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Michigan League, Hussey Room
Eryn Lewis - Health Behavior and Health Equity, Laura Perez-Villagomez - MPH- Health Behavior Health Equity, Layla Richardson - MPH-Health Behavior Health Equity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are being implemented and integrated into many facets of everyday life. Evidence shows that AI use in systems like hiring, healthcare, administration, and language models (Apple’s Siri) can impact overall efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, financial expenditures, and social benefits across professions. However, AI models have demonstrated hallucinations and biases in responses, which can create and exacerbate disparities and perpetuate harm. Particularly, as models have rapidly developed, there is growing evidence that demonstrates biases and discrimination towards race, gender, and age in AI algorithms and outputs. This duality raises ethical concerns, especially for professionals utilizing models in community-facing roles. This presentation will delve into the ethical implications of discrimination in AI use across professional settings and bring further awareness to individuals utilizing AI tools in the workplace.

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