The conference theme this year is From Numbers to Narratives: Storytelling with Data in Higher Education

Pre-Conference Workshop

June 8, 2026 at the Holiday Inn, 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Presenter: Caner Koldemir, Data Scientist, SUNY Westchester Community College

Title: The AI Advantage for Institutional Research

Description:

This 90-minute pre-conference session focuses on practical, low-risk ways artificial intelligence can support Institutional Research work without using student-level data. The session emphasizes how AI can reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, improve clarity in reporting, and support IR professionals in communicating data more effectively. Examples are designed for IR offices of all sizes and do not require advanced technical skills or large datasets.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • AI for Everyday IR Tasks
    • Use AI to summarize long reports, emails, meeting notes, webinar recordings, and policy documents, helping IR staff process information more efficiently.
  • Working with Text and Qualitative Data (Safely)
    • Apply AI to organize and summarize non-identifiable text such as open-ended survey themes, strategic plans, accreditation language, and public reports.
  • Supporting Reporting and Communication
    • Explore how AI can assist with drafting narratives, executive summaries, methodology sections, and documentation while keeping humans responsible for final interpretation.
  • AI Without Student-Level Data or Advanced Analytics
    • Learn how AI can be useful even when student-level data cannot be used and when departments lack data science resources.
  • Ethics, Risk, and Governance in IR
    • Discuss appropriate boundaries for AI use, FERPA-aware practices, transparency, and why IR should lead institutional guardrails for AI adoption.

Takeaways for Participants

  • A clear understanding of where AI fits and does not fit within IR work
  • Practical examples of AI use that can be adopted immediately
  • Guidance on safe, ethical, and responsible AI use in IR contexts

 

2025–2026 Executive Officers

President – Suzanne Riela Turturro, Dutchess Community College

Past President –  Ranjana Srevatsan, Binghamton University

Vice-President/President Elect – Naomi Dogani, SUNY Westchester

Secretary – Yoshi Guy, SUNY ESF

Treasurer – Melinda Whitford, University at Buffalo

Communication Director – Theresa Diemer, Stony Brook University

 

2025–2026 Sector Representatives

Doctoral Institutions – Beth Anne Horning, University at Albany

Colleges of Technology – Sarah Todd, SUNY Canton

Comprehensive Colleges – Michael Douglas, SUNY New Paltz

Comprehensive Colleges – Shanthi Konkoth, SUNY Old Westbury

Community Colleges – Thomas Miller, FIT

Community  Colleges – Claire Goverts, Monroe Community College

System Administration – Paul Wilner, SUNY

 

2026 Conference Committee

Chairs: Melinda Whitford and Suzanne Riela Turturro

Members: remainder of AIRPO's Executive Committee (exec officers + sector reps)