Over the past several years, we’ve had the opportunity to present at SXSW EDU on a range of topics. It’s a wonderful place to learn from our community and forge new connections. This year, in collaboration with some of the organizations we work with, we submitted four proposals—on AI, first-generation students, and transfer. If you would like to see us in Austin, vote now!

AI in Higher Ed: Who’s Being Heard, Who’s Not? (Meet-Up)

Speakers: Claire Baytas and Julia Goffredi, Emerging Learning Technology Lead/Instructional Designer, University of Baltimore

As AI becomes increasingly central to higher education, whose voices are shaping the conversation? This interactive meet-up invites educators, students, and academic leaders to share authentic experiences and challenges around AI adoption and workforce readiness. Together, we’ll explore how to ensure student and faculty perspectives are included in decision-making, identify gaps in current conversations, and brainstorm practical strategies for building more inclusive, responsive AI initiatives on campus.

Multi-Campus Model for First-Gen Success (Panel)

Speakers: Ifeatu Oliobi; Gali Gibson, Executive Director, Kessler Scholars Collaborative; April Belback, Associate Vice Provost – Student Success and Advising, University of Pittsburgh; Mark Kamimura-Jimenez, Associate Vice Chancellor – Student Affairs, Washington University in St. Louis

First-generation college students make up more than half of US undergraduates, but too often encounter institutional systems not built for their success. The 16-institution Kessler Scholars Collaborative is reshaping first-gen support through a cohort-based model that fosters belonging, growth, and academic success. This panel will share how the Collaborative’s multi-campus partnership model and commitment to robust evaluation drive institutional change and continuous improvement while also fostering cross-campus student engagement to expand students’ sense of possibility and connection.

Preparing Learners for an AI Future: Leadership Lessons (Conversation)

Speakers: Mark McBride and Leslie Kennedy, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Technology Services, California State University System

Students need skills to excel in an AI-powered world. How can educational institutions meet this demand? In 2025, a state system of higher education launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with AI and other tech companies to transform teaching, learning, and workforce readiness. They matched this investment with a bold initiative to support all 22 campuses in building AI literacy frameworks, grounded in ethics, equity, and academic integrity. The result? Faculty are supported, not left behind. Students are guided, not overwhelmed. Learn practical lessons from their experience.

Transfer Credit: The Glue Connecting Learning Across Sectors (Meet-Up)

Speakers: Emily Tichenor and Abby Chien, Associate Director, Strategy & Partnerships, Washington Student Achievement Council

Students now earn college credit from many sources—high school dual enrollment, military, work experience, and attendance at multiple colleges—on their path to earn a college degree. While this multi-source learning can provide a major boost to learners, higher education institutions often struggle to efficiently and equitably award credit earned outside of their institution. Join this session to discuss your transfer initiatives and share examples of policies, processes, cross-sector partnerships, and technology platforms that are helping students in your region.