Breakout Session: Leading and Learning with AI in the Classroom
Lara Lomicka Anderson and EAB consultant Brett Reinert

As AI increasingly shapes teaching and learning, academic leaders and faculty must work together to harness its potential. This breakout session integrates two complementary perspectives. The first explores the academic leadership role in creating conditions that encourage responsible AI experimentation—through policy, professional development, resource support and institutional culture. The second shifts to a practical, faculty-focused discussion highlighting concrete classroom use cases and strategies for integrating AI into teaching and learning. Participants will gain both a leadership framework and actionable ideas that support thoughtful, mission-aligned adoption of AI across disciplines.

Breakout Session: Advancing Academic Excellence
Provost Mary Anne Fitzpatrick and Vice Provost Jennifer Ng

Academic excellence remains the cornerstone of USC’s mission, even as higher education navigates rapid change. This provost-led breakout session invites participants to reflect on how academic excellence is defined, sustained and advanced across teaching, research and student success. The session will explore the role of institutional priorities, faculty support and cross-campus collaboration in strengthening academic quality and impact. Through guided discussion and shared reflection, participants will consider how leadership decisions and collective action can reinforce high standards, promote innovation and ensure that academic excellence continues to thrive in a changing educational landscape.