LaGuardia Group Launches AI Institute to Shape Campus-Wide Framework on Artificial Intelligence
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (February 4, 2026) — On January 30, more than 80 faculty and staff gathered in the Poolside Café of the LaGuardia Community College/CUNY campus for the college’s inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute, a full-day event dedicated to exploring the role of generative artificial intelligence in teaching and learning.
Dr. Eric Hofmann, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, said the institute marked a major step toward developing a flexible, college-wide AI framework that will help faculty communicate clear and consistent guidance around AI use.
“Open and transparent conversations about the use of AI on college campuses are essential for building a shared understanding of both the opportunities and challenges these technologies bring,” Dr. Hofmann said. “By engaging faculty, staff, and students in ongoing dialogue, institutions can develop responsible practices, promote equity, address concerns about academic integrity, provide space for dissent, and ensure that AI is used in ways that support rather than undermine learning.”
The day opened with a keynote address by Peter Shea, English Professor and Assistant Dean of AI at Middlesex Community College, who offered insights into AI’s rapidly evolving role in higher education.
During the event, participants engaged with sample AI frameworks and selected from two rounds of breakout discussions featuring presentations, hands-on workshops, and collaborative conversations. The institute concluded with an activity centered on “second-order thinking” to help faculty analyze the broader implications of AI use.
The breakout sessions were facilitated by Pablo Avila, Tameka Battle, Liz Clark, Milena Cuellar, Ximena Gallardo, Eric Hofmann, Andrea Irias, Ian McDermott, Gordon Tapper, Jason Schafer, and Lilla Toke. Other support was provided by offices across LaGuardia, including Campus Events, Campus Facilities, Office of Accessibility, and the Center for Teaching & Learning.
Members of the AI Advisory Group were also recognized for their continued feedback and guidance. The group includes Pablo Avila (Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL), Daniel Boudon (Social Sciences), Ximena Gallardo (English), Imran Khan (Adult and Continuing Education (ACE), Praveen Khethavath (Mathematics, Engineering, and Computer Science (MEC), Robin Kietlinski (Social Sciences), Wayne Levy (Information Technology), Ian McDermott (Library), Joe Micancin (Office of the President), Jaime Riccio (Humanities), Derek Stadler (Library), Andi Toce (MEC), and Lilla Toke (English).
AI-related work at LaGuardia has been steadily growing over the past two years. Recently, seven college proposals—each funded by CUNY at approximately $25,000—were awarded to support a range of initiatives, from exploring generative AI tools in nursing education to expanding Writing Center programming. Several of these projects directly support the AI Institute and the creation of the new framework. Faculty leads Tameka Battle, Liz Clark, Milena Cuellar, and Andrea Irias have been integral to this effort, participating in the AAC&U national institute on AI, pedagogy, and curriculum while coordinating the event’s development and convening the AI Advisory Group.
Dr. Hofmann said the cross-divisional AI Advisory Group will review institute-generated recommendations; a student survey will be launched; faculty and staff will continue implementing their funded projects; and First Year Seminar faculty will be invited to develop and adopt AI literacy modules in Spring 2026.
“We’re designing a process for faculty to pilot low-stakes assignments aligned with the forthcoming AI framework,” Dr. Hofmann said. “We are also planning a book circle on a recent AI publication, and updates to the college’s AI Hub in an effort to extend dialogue across campus.”
Dr. Hofmann said more information about these initiatives will be shared throughout the spring semester and encouraged faculty and staff to connect with members of the AI Advisory Team for further details on ongoing AI-related work at LaGuardia.
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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