As higher education continues to grapple with the ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its curriculum, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) addressed the issue head-on at its 7th Annual Student Leadership Conference.
Held virtually from April 7 to April 11 and hosted by the CUNY SPS Office of Student Life, the conference drew over one hundred participants to the eleven interactive sessions exploring AI’s promise and pitfalls.
This year’s conference theme, developed by an advisory committee for the School’s new graduate academic enrichment program Visionary Voices, sought to examine AI’s evolving influence across industries—and to raise critical questions about its limitations and principled applications.
On Monday, April 7, the opening day of the conference, CUNY SPS Dean Braverman extended welcoming remarks to guests and keynote speaker Dr. Shane Snipes, professor of business at Borough of Manhattan Community College.
In his keynote, Dr. Snipes described AI as a “canvas,” encouraging students to see it as a tool for creative collaboration and personal growth. “We are in a space now with generative AI where it’s not about answering a question anymore,” he explained. “It’s about co-creation. I want you to think about how AI can become a life planning tool for you.”
Following the keynote, CUNY SPS student moderator Mervin Acharo Smith (BS Business) facilitated a lively Q&A that drew engaging questions from the audience.
Throughout the week, additional sessions led by students and invited experts tackled the intersection of AI with topics such as inclusivity, education, and entertainment.
Several participants in the Visionary Voices program, which was launched in October 2024 to engage accomplished graduate students in leadership, research, education, and action for the larger School community, were among those leading the conference sessions.
These included Jennifer Andrews (MA Disability Studies), Marlee Koenigsberg (Advanced Certificate Disability Studies), Mekki Elbadri (MS Business Management and Leadership), and Tanya Perez (MA Applied Theatre), who each presented unique perspectives on AI in their respective disciplines.
In one highlight, Andrews’ session, “Disabling AI: An Approach to Deconstructing Ableism in Data and Design,” examined the biases embedded in AI systems. “My premise was that AI is ableist,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean it always will be.” Drawing on her Disability Studies coursework, Andrews encouraged attendees to consider how “rethinking data and design could lead to more inclusive technological futures.”
Student Dennys Antunish (BS Information Science), a member of the CUNY SPS AI Club, shared what he learned from the conference: “[I’m] thinking that AI has so much more to go before it can be widely used and [is] more accessible,” he said. “The variety of views and use cases of AI was great to see, and I hope to [continue to] learn about AI in a different manner than what I'm used to.”
Student Development and Leadership Coordinator Reshma Jaigobin, who has chaired the Student Leadership Conference planning committee for the past three years, reflected on this year’s goals and theme. “I felt a responsibility to create a space where curiosity could meet conscience,” they said. “This year’s theme challenged us to move beyond the hype of AI and really question how, why, and for whom these technologies are being developed. The conversations that unfolded throughout the week made it clear: ethical leadership means asking the hard questions—and who better to lead those discussions than the leaders of tomorrow.”
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
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