In partnership with the Alumni Executive Council, the University continues "Laurentians Learn," a series of webinars aimed at expanding learning opportunities from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents on important and interesting topics.
Join us this month for: Data Activism and AI Ethics with Dr. Zeyno Ustun, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Digital Media & Film
How are data and artificial intelligence transforming society and raising urgent concerns about inequality, surveillance, governance, labor, and sustainability? This webinar introduces the Data Ethics and Policy Center at St. Lawrence University, which is currently in its creation phase with support from an SLU Innovation Grant. The proposed center aims to position the university as a regional leader in addressing the challenges of the expanding data economy by fostering research, education, and community engagement on the ethical and ecological dimensions of emerging technologies. A key initiative of the center is a shared curriculum that includes a course on Data Activism and AI Ethics. This Spring 2026 course will explore how communities and movements can reclaim data and confront the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence, encouraging resistance against domination and the cultivation of solidarity. It will be offered alongside classes from other faculty members involved in the project, Jennifer Hansen and Richard Lauer. Together, these courses are designed to create an integrated pathway that equips students to critically examine data ethics and the power of AI, while envisioning more accountable and democratic technological futures.
Registration:
Register by 12:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 21, online or by calling the Office of Laurentian Engagement: 888-758-4438.