Events & Programming
Upcoming Public Debates
AI & Creativity – a discussion of key propositions
Resolved: UMW should ban AI from art classes and the creative arts.
Wednesday, March 25 | 3:30 PM | Weatherly Wing, Seacobeck Hall
Panelists: J.D. Swerzenski (CDS) and Jason Robinson (Studio Art) Moderator: Anand Rao
This is not a standard pro- vs. con- debate. Instead, it’s a structured, claim-by-claim examination of how AI is affecting creative work and creative education — led by two faculty members who work at the intersection of technology and artistic practice every day.
The audience will vote at the start on the central question, then watch as J.D. and Jason respond to a series of bold, headline-style claims — the kind you see from AI companies and in broader cultural conversations about art and technology:
- “AI democratizes art production.”
- “AI pushes art in new directions.”
- “AI can act as a creative partner.”
- “AI handles the busy work, freeing more time for creativity.”
Past Public Debates
AI & the Environment – a public debate on Tuesday, September 16th, at 3:30 in the HCC Digital Auditorium.
Topic: “AI’s net impact on the environment over the next decade will be negative.”
Debaters:
Prof. Kaitlyn Haynal (Communication)
Prof. Mike Reno (Philosophy)
The faculty debaters will present their opening speeches and ask one another questions about their respective positions. We will then open it up for questions and comments from the audience. We will conclude with brief speeches by the faculty debaters, followed by a reflection on the topic. Our goal is to inform the audience on the topic and promote civil discourse and discussion on an issue that affects us all.
Topic: AI and Copyright – a public debate took place on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 3:30 in Seacobeck Hall’s Weatherly Wing.
Topic: UMW Should Become an AI University, Feb. 4th 2026
Upcoming topic: Creativity and AI
Guest Lecture Series
Throughout the academic year, the Center will host distinguished speakers who represent diverse perspectives on AI and its intersection with humanistic inquiry. Our lecture series brings together technologists, ethicists, artists, policymakers, and scholars to engage our community in critical conversations about AI’s present and future.
Past Lectures
Sean O’Brien (Internet2 VP, UMW alum, and UMW AI Expert-in-Residence):
PREPARING FOR THE STORM: Leadership in an Age of AI Acceleration
March 10th, 2026
Lee Hall 411
Dr. Eric Bonds, Using Virginia FOIA to Investigate Data Center Policy, Transparency, and Environmental Impacts, Feb. 19th, 2026
Dr. Alan Coverstone, “Reclaiming Human Intelligence in the Age of AI: Plural Futures for Education and Society,” October 29, 2025 at 7pm in the Cedric Rucker University Center Chandler Ballroom. Open to the public.
Upcoming Themes:
- Ethics in Algorithmic Decision-Making
- AI’s Impact on Labor and Work
- The Future of Human-AI Collaboration