Yes, We Can with AI: Empowering Staff and Transforming Operations in Higher Ed

Higher education is spending a great deal of time discussing AI for teaching and learning, but not enough time exploring how AI can empower the staff and operational teams that support the institution’s education and research mission. This session will show how AI can help IT and operations teams turn ideas into action faster, support understaffed teams, and improve execution through practical workflows and real-world examples. Attendees will also see a live demonstration of an AI-enabled network operations workflow in which a Raspberry Pi gathers switch and port data, AI determines the required configuration, creates a ServiceNow ticket or change request, and waits for staff approval before executing the change. The session will highlight how AI can extend staff capacity, support student workers, and help higher education teams move from ideas to real operational outcomes.