Schedule for Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Check back for conference speaker updates. Any UMass employee may register here.
Welcome / Opening Remarks
8:45 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Welcome
10 GenAI tools and tricks every higher ed pro should be using
9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Speaker: Erin Callihan, New York University
Summary: AI isn’t something on the horizon anymore—it’s already changing how we work. The challenge? Higher ed teams are often stuck juggling limited resources, too much content and workflows that haven’t kept up. This session is designed to help you cut through that.
In a fast-paced, no-nonsense format, you’ll be introduced to 10 of the most relevant, high-impact AI tools for writing, brainstorming, visualization, automation and data analysis—specifically for higher ed digital work. Each one is quickly demoed so you can see exactly how it works and how it can save time, boost productivity and simplify your day-to-day tasks. No hype, no theory—just practical tools you can start using right away. Accessibility is also front and center, with a focus on creating inclusive, usable content.
This session is built for busy professionals who want real value. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or looking to sharpen your workflow, you’ll walk away with a curated set of tools, fresh ideas and the confidence to put them into action immediately.
Note to Attendees: Remember to review all University policies related to AI before using any tool suggested during the presentation.
From Policy to Practice: ADA Title II changes for campus communities
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Speakers: Brian Belcher and Mary Henesey, University at Buffalo
Summary: Digital accessibility isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential for meeting upcoming ADA Title II rule changes and creating an inclusive experience for everyone. This session offers a clear, approachable overview of what those requirements mean in practice and how institutions can turn them into sustainable, campus-wide efforts.
We’ll walk through how the University at Buffalo built strong institutional support by meeting people where they are—through department presentations, a centralized website, regular communications and a network of accessibility liaisons. You’ll also hear how initiatives like their Digital Accessibility Advocate Award helped build momentum and recognize progress. On the operational side, we’ll highlight their software review process, which ensures accessibility is considered from the start during procurement—not as an afterthought.
By the end, you’ll have practical, real-world ideas you can bring back to your campus—whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen existing efforts. The goal is simple: help you move accessibility forward in a way that’s manageable, impactful and lasting.
The power of progressive profiling: Smarter recruitment strategies
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Speakers: James Cox and Kelsey Smith, Purdue University
Summary: Higher ed marketing is all about reaching students with the right message at the right moment—but doing that at scale can feel tricky. How do you personalize without overwhelming people or crossing the line into “too much”? That’s where progressive profiling comes in.
In this session, you’ll learn how Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business approaches data collection in a more thoughtful, gradual way—gathering key insights over time instead of all at once. We’ll show how automation and AI can support more personalized outreach, improve email engagement and create experiences that feel helpful, not intrusive.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies you can actually use, including how to collect meaningful student data, keep it consistent across teams and build workflows that support smarter communication. We’ll also cover how to position this approach with leadership and get the buy-in you need to move forward.
Whether you’re just starting to explore personalization or looking to fine-tune your current strategy, this session will give you a clear path to turning student data into more effective, human-centered engagement.
Digital Content 101: Bringing Accessibility, Readability and Usability to the Masses
12 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.
Speaker: Sarah Eisenklam, Jenny Lisle and Michael Pueschel, UMass Lowell Office of Marketing and Communications
Summary: UML's Office of Marketing and Communications' Digital Strategy team is offering Digital Content 101. The web team developed this to better collaborate with departments and offices on the uml.edu website and other digital platforms (social, email, blogs, newsletters) as we market their programs, research, faculty, etc. The areas of emphasis are accessibility, readability and usability.
AI-enhanced accessibility: Balancing efficiency with human insight
1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Speaker: Darren Denham, University of Central Oklahoma
Summary: Creating inclusive online learning environments in higher ed isn’t always easy—especially as technology evolves so quickly. This session looks at how AI can support digital accessibility efforts while keeping the focus where it belongs: on real people and meaningful learning experiences.
You’ll be introduced to a curated set of AI tools that can help streamline tasks like generating alternative text and improving content accessibility. But just as important, we’ll talk about where human judgment still matters—adding context, ensuring accuracy and making sure accessibility efforts truly meet students’ needs.
Led by Darren Denham, CPACC, Assistant Director of Digital Accessibility at the University of Central Oklahoma, this session connects the fast-moving world of AI with practical, human-centered accessibility strategies. You’ll get a quick overview of the current landscape, along with a balanced look at both the benefits and limitations of using AI in this space.
Don’t let your website flunk: The college guide to user testing
2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Speaker: Melanie Lindahl, The University of Texas at Austin
Summary: Ever launched a website or tool without proper user testing? You’re not alone—even though we all know how important it is. The challenge is that testing can feel overwhelming, and it’s not always clear where to start.
In this session, Melanie—returning for her second year speaking at the UMass conference—breaks user acceptance testing into simple, manageable steps. She’ll walk through how to decide what to test, write clear and unbiased questions and guide users effectively during the process. You’ll also learn when to step in, when to stay back and how to handle those “spicy clicks” moments when things don’t go as planned.
Whether you’re new to testing or looking to improve your approach, you’ll leave with practical tips you can immediately apply before your next launch.
Conference Conclusion
2:45 p.m. to 3 p.m.