The Center for AI and the Liberal Arts (CAILA) brings together students and faculty from across the University of Mary Washington — computer science, the humanities, social sciences, and the arts — to explore what AI can do and what it should do.
The Center for AI and the Liberal Arts (CAILA) has announced its fall public events schedule, featuring guest lectures and public debates exploring artificial intelligence and its impact on society, education, politics and more.
Guest Lecture: Dr. Mary Anne Franks
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 4 p.m. | Weatherly Wing, Seacobeck Hall
Dr. Mary Anne Franks, Eugene L. and Barbara A. Bernard Professor in Intellectual Property, Technology, and Civil Rights Law at George Washington University Law School and author of Fearless Speech, will discuss some of her work on regulating deepfakes.
AI Companions Debate
Thursday, Oct. 1, 4 p.m.
CAILA will host visiting debaters from Fairfax County Public Schools for a public debate on whether schools should discourage students from using AI companions. The two debaters recently tackled the same topic at the FCPS Accelerate Conference.
Guest Lecture: Dr. Mona Sloane
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 4 p.m. | Weatherly Wing, Seacobeck Hall
Dr. Mona Sloane, Assistant Professor of Data Science and Media Studies at the University of Virginia, will present “Predicted: How AI Is Restructuring Social Life,” drawn from her 2026 book of the same title.
Braver Angels Debate on Data Centers
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m. | Location TBD
The Center will host a structured public debate on data center development using the Braver Angels debate format.
An additional guest lecture on AI and politics is also in the works for October, with details coming soon.
Faculty are encouraged to consider incorporating the events into their courses through extra credit, required or optional attendance, or reflection assignments. Student sign-in sheets will be available at every event, and attendance information can be shared with instructors upon request. Each event listing also includes an option to add the event directly to a calendar, and the full CAILA calendar can be subscribed to for future events.
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