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The University of New Mexico hosts Tech Days 2026, Wednesday and Thursday, April 29-30, bringing faculty, staff and students together to explore emerging technologies through presentations, discussions and hands-on demonstrations.
The University of New Mexico is set to host its annual Tech Days event on Wednesday and Thursday, April 29-30, 2026. This significant gathering, organized by the UNM Office of the Chief Information Officer, aims to unite faculty, staff, and students in a collaborative environment to delve into the realm of emerging technologies. The event offers a diverse program of no-cost sessions, including insightful presentations, interactive discussions, and practical hands-on demonstrations. It serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation across the university community, with organizers highly recommending early registration due to popular demand and sessions filling up quickly.
A central theme of Tech Days 2026 is a comprehensive focus on artificial intelligence (AI), addressing its myriad applications, profound ethical implications, and its evolving role within the landscape of higher education. The programming will cover a wide spectrum of AI-related topics, ranging from in-depth discussions on AI-driven decision-making processes and the development of responsible AI policies to presentations on emerging infrastructure and sophisticated tools designed to support cutting-edge research and optimize campus operations. These sessions are crucial for understanding how AI is reshaping academic and administrative functions at UNM.
Among the highlighted sessions are critical discussions centered on the development of trustworthy artificial intelligence. One such session, featuring experts like Melanie Moses (Computer Science), Sonia Gipson Rankin (School of Law), Stephanie Moore (CULLS OILS), Kathy Powers (Africana Studies), and Grace Faustino (IT Services, Office of the Vice President for Research), invites attendees to collaboratively envision AI solutions that are beneficial and problem-solving without negative repercussions. This interactive discussion is specifically designed to solicit input that will directly inform the creation of future UNM policies, tools, capabilities, and overarching strategies to ensure the implementation of trustworthy AI across the institution.
Another pivotal discussion, titled 'Co-designing UNM’s AI Policies and Decision Making,' will bring together a distinguished panel including Stephanie Moore, Kathy Powers, Melanie Moses, Sonia Gipson Rankin, Grace Faustino, and Todd Quinn (CULLS). This session will critically analyze how AI has been utilized in high-stakes decision-making contexts and explore the intricate practical, ethical, and legal consequences arising from such applications. This discussion is particularly relevant for administrators, students, and faculty members who are either responsible for making significant decisions related to employment, admissions, financial aid, or grading, or whose lives and work are directly impacted by these AI-assisted processes, encouraging a collective approach to policy formulation.
A significant highlight of Tech Days 2026 will be the keynote presentation delivered by Bernardo J. Gallegos, who serves as the staff adviser for UNM Esports and a technical analyst with UNM IT and UNM Bookstores. His keynote address, 'UNM Esports: A Brief History of Engaging a New Subculture,' will provide an insightful exploration into the burgeoning growth of esports, positioning it not only as a cultural phenomenon but also as a viable professional pathway. Gallegos's presentation will underscore the importance of community building and enhancing student engagement through the dynamic world of competitive gaming, showcasing how UNM is embracing this evolving landscape.
In addition to the extensive AI-focused agenda, Tech Days 2026 will feature a dedicated track for New Mexico Open Educational Resources (OER). This segment will highlight progressive and innovative strategies for teaching, learning, and ensuring accessibility within educational environments. It will specifically explore how open materials can be effectively integrated with AI-assisted educational frameworks to create more dynamic, inclusive, and efficient learning experiences for students and educators alike. This track emphasizes UNM's commitment to leveraging technology for broader educational impact.
Tech Days 2026 offers invaluable opportunities for all attendees to engage directly with leading campus experts, innovative industry partners, and their peers. Participants will gain firsthand insights into the cutting-edge tools, methodologies, and strategic approaches that are actively shaping the future of technology implementation and utilization at the University of New Mexico. This direct interaction fosters a dynamic environment for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaborative problem-solving, reinforcing the university's commitment to technological advancement.