A Conference · Early Fall 2026 · Kalamazoo, Michigan

AI in the Econ Classroom.

What AI is doing to teaching, assessment, and hiring — and the cross-institutional conversations we need to keep pace.

When
Early Fall 2026 Exact date TBD
Where
Western Michigan University
Host
Department of Economics
Organizing Committee
Rodrigo Aranda
Jason Beasley Department of Economics
Format
Keynote speakers
+ Roundtables
+ Open Call
Themes

Four threads, one conversation.

The program sits at the intersection of how we teach with AI, how we assess what students have learned, what the labor market is asking of graduates, and the peer networks that make any of this tractable across institutions.

Pedagogy Assessment Workforce Readiness Networking
Program

A working preview of topics.

The full slate of talks, panels, and discussions is still being assembled. Below is a representative sample of the conversations the day is being built around — additional sessions and speakers will be announced as plans firm up.

Teaching & Learning

AI in the classroom: pedagogy & assessment.

How instructors are designing courses, assignments, and assessments now that students have copilots at hand.

Workforce

What employers expect from economics graduates.

Shifts in hiring criteria, day-one job tasks, and the skills industry is screening for in an AI-saturated labor market.

Publishing & Edtech

AI inside the textbook: the next generation of courseware.

A view from the publishers and edtech firms building the AI-native tools our students will use next.

Policy & Economy

AI and the Economy.

How a central-bank perspective reads the evidence on AI's impact on productivity, employment, and wages.

Additional talks, panels, and roundtables to be announced. Confirmed speakers will be listed here as they are finalized.
Open Call & Networking

Build the network. Stay for the conversation.

Much of the value of this gathering will happen between sessions — across departments, institutions, and industries. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you'd like to bring: a proposed talk, a roundtable idea, a collaboration, or simply your interest in attending. We'll keep you posted as the program firms up.

Questions? Write to [email protected] or [email protected]