Call for Participation

Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education at a pace that many inherited educational models can no longer absorb comfortably. The AI in Higher Education Symposium invites contributions that examine what this shift means for educational design, assessment, academic work, learner capability, and institutional direction.

We welcome proposals from educators, researchers, academic leaders, educational designers, technologists, professional staff, and doctoral researchers working in or with a New Zealand Aotearoa post-secondary institution (public or private). Contributions may draw on implemented practice, research, policy development, conceptual analysis, institutional strategy, or critical reflection.

The symposium is intended as a rigorous forum for sector-wide discussion. We are particularly interested in work that is analytically clear, educationally grounded, and useful to others responding to AI-related change across universities and tertiary education.

Symposium Themes

Practice

This theme addresses how AI is being engaged in courses, programmes, services, and institutional processes. Relevant areas may include assessment redesign, feedback, student support, staff capability, academic integrity, curriculum renewal, accessibility, and evidence of learning.

Theory, ethics, and policy

This theme addresses the conceptual and normative questions shaping AI in higher education. Relevant areas may include authorship, judgement, knowledge, equity, transparency, governance, cultural considerations, and the conditions under which educational claims remain defensible.

Future directions

This theme addresses emerging models, strategic responses, and longer-term implications for higher education. Relevant areas may include institutional capability, educational architecture, programme redesign, assurance of learning, and the future role of universities in an AI-rich environment.

Contribution formats

We welcome proposals for a range of contribution types, including papers, case studies, panel discussions, workshops, demonstrations, and facilitated conversations. Final formats, timing, and presentation arrangements will be confirmed once the current symposium model is finalised.

What to submit

Title

Provide a working title for the proposed contribution.

Abstract

Provide an abstract of approximately 150–250 words outlining the focus, argument, or practice being presented.

Authors and affiliations

List all contributors, their roles, and their institutional affiliations.

Theme

Identify the symposium theme that best fits the proposal.

Preferred format

Indicate whether the proposal is intended as a paper, case study, panel contribution, workshop, demonstration, or another suitable format.

Contact details

Provide contact details for the corresponding contributor.

Lead contributor biography

Provide a short biography for the lead contributor.

Accessibility or technical requirements

Identify any accessibility, technical, or presentation requirements relevant to the contribution.

Review approach

Proposals will be reviewed for relevance, clarity, educational value, and likely contribution to the symposium. Priority will be given to work that engages substantively with higher education rather than product promotion.

Important dates

Contact

Please send submissions and enquiries to cedi@otago.ac.nz with subject line “aihe 2026 presentation submission”