At Quest, SUNY Oswego professor Barry Friedman, joined by current students and an alumnus, will explore how responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the university experience for both students and faculty. 

A professor of marketing and management in the College of Business and Entrepreneurship,  Friedman will host a Quest panel joined by students Carys Curcio and Josh Poorman, and alumnus Austin Calkins, to discuss the different uses of AI from the perspectives of different members of a university community. 

Quest, the university’s day celebrating scholarly and creative activities, unfolds Wednesday, April 22. All classes between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. are cancelled that day to promote campus participation as presenters and attendees.

Friedman believes that AI has a great capacity to help students in many ways, despite concerns people might have.

“When used ethically and responsibly, AI can vastly improve work efficiency and effectiveness,” Friedman said. “Like any significant change, overcoming resistance to change is both an individual and organizational challenge that must be met.”

Friedman says it is important for people to understand AI as it evolves so that it can be used to its full potential. 

Rapid evolution

“When artificial intelligence first appeared on the mainstream's radar, it was perceived as an existential threat,” Friedman said. “Nowadays, more people now see it as a tool for competitive advantage. AI has rapidly evolved into a key enabling technology for faculty, students and employees.”

In university settings, Friedman says AI has proven to be more of an advantage for universities worldwide. 

“AI capability is no longer a nice-to-have for the university, but a competitive advantage,” Friedman said. “AI familiarity is now an essential part of our students' education, and increases their marketability in a competitive job market.”

Friedman is the session mentor for the series of presentations he and the students will conduct. 

“My session role is both moderator and first presenter, where I used AI to create a comprehensive case that develops students' analytical, critical thinking and AI application skills,” Friedman said. “Carys Curcio and Josh Poorman then explain how they, as students, use Excel CoPilot, an AI application, to make better decisions and communicate more effectively. Lastly, Austin Calkins, an alum who works in the SUNY Oswego HR department, describes how he uses AI to work more efficiently.”

Friedman views the annual Quest symposium as a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of AI in university settings.

“SUNY Oswego's vision includes making us an AI Campus,” Friedman said. “That vision cannot be realized unless we address AI in students' education, and Quest is but one of a number of venues to do just that.”

Friedman hopes that the presentation will help people understand AI’s capabilities as a helpful tool. 

“Among the important takeaways from our Quest presentation is to embrace AI as a tool to help you succeed,” Friedman said. “That being said, be sure that the dog wags the tail, and not the reverse. Attend our session, and you'll discover how this works.”

For more information on Quest and an updated schedule, visit oswego.edu/quest.

-- Written by Nina Ottesen of the Class of 2026