This session examines how community colleges can boost operational efficiency and student success amid rapid tech change by revealing Miami Dade College’s successful deployment of Microsoft 365 Copilot across academic, administrative, and student services functions; attendees will learn the challenges MDC faced, the strategies used to integrate Copilot into daily workflows, and the measurable gains in productivity and decision-making. A Microsoft representative will provide live demonstrations of Copilot in action, including automating routine tasks, generating reports, and supporting faculty in curriculum development, while the session also highlights the National Applied AI Consortium led by MDC and its partnership with Microsoft to deliver nationwide Copilot training for faculty and staff, ensuring institutions are prepared for an AI-driven future.

1. What position do you aspire to reach next in your career path?
2. What is your ultimate career goal?

Sponsored by ConexED

 

In this engaging discussion moderated by Nate Simpson, distinguished speakers Sheila Edwards Lange and Michaela Leslie-Rule will explore the concept of guided pathways through the lens of Leslie-Rule's book, "How We See Us: Young People Imagining a Path to Their Futures." The conversation will center on the student journey, emphasizing the navigational challenges and aspirations of today's youth as they confront a rapidly evolving landscape. By sharing personal anecdotes and insightful research, Leslie-Rule underscores the need to empower young people to actively shape their identities and futures. This discussion aims to illuminate the transformative power of youth voices in reimagining educational and career pathways, highlighting their potential to influence society's collective narrative and cultivate a more inclusive understanding of success. Attendees can look forward to a thought-provoking exploration of innovative ideas that inspire and empower the next generation.

In this insightful session, Bob Johansen presents key concepts from his influential books, "Navigating the Age of Chaos: A Sense-Making Guide to a BANI World That Doesn’t Make Sense" and "Leaders Make the Future: 10 New Skills to Humanize Leadership with Generative AI." Johansen explores the complexities of living and leading in a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible) world, offering frameworks and strategies to help individuals and organizations thrive amidst uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of human-centered leadership in the age of generative AI and identifies ten essential skills leaders need to cultivate to foster collaboration, adaptability, and resilience. Participants will leave with practical insights and tools to navigate chaos and position themselves as forward-thinking leaders who can shape a more humane and innovative future.

This session demonstrates how AI, deployed strategically across the college ecosystem with Microsoft Copilot (and Copilot Chat), can transform both workforce upskilling and institutional operations, drawing on three years of lessons learned from Microsoft and AACC in collaboration with 100+ colleges through the AI for All initiative. Attendees will explore real-world implementations across varied college settings, then participate in a hands-on activation using Microsoft 365 Copilot to experience step-by-step AI solutions in real time, regardless of license level or IT expertise. The program includes an introduction, a concise lessons-learned segment, a 30-minute activation, a facilitated discussion, and guidance on joining 2026 trainings and the Community of Practice. By session end, leaders and partners will understand how AI can streamline tasks, elevate creativity, and advance workforce development on their campuses, supported by recent summaries, case stories, and ongoing evidence from the initiative.