Building AI Capability Across St. Lawrence College

Written by SLC Communications 

As part of St. Lawrence College’s Digital Transformation journey, employees recently participated in the second offering of the MSLE Copilot Chat Agents for Higher Education Bootcamp, a full-day, hands-on learning experience focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence, Microsoft Copilot agents, and automation in higher education. 

Led by Dr. Alex Arnold and Dr. Robert “Bear” Ulrich of Black Dog Black Cat through the Microsoft Learning for Educators (MSLE) program, the session helped participants move from curiosity to capability by exploring how AI-powered tools can support teaching, learning, student services, and operational excellence. Participants gained practical skills in designing and applying Microsoft Copilot agents to real-world academic and administrative workflows. 

“The training included practical, hands-on opportunities to explore how AI agents can support complex work,” said Jamie Puddicombe, Associate Dean, Professional Services and Innovation. “I’ve started integrating agents into my workflow and they help streamline routine tasks and create more capacity for the problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration. AI is not to replace human connection, but to create more space for it.” 

The bootcamp is part of a multi-phase AI enablement program designed to build AI literacy, confidence, and hands-on capability across the College. Guided by SLC’s approved Artificial Intelligence Guidelines, which encourage innovation while promoting responsible, secure, and ethical AI use, the initiative supports faculty, staff, and leaders as they prepare for the future of work and learning. 

“The training will help improve productivity to everyday tasks, such as summarizing meeting notes, identifying action items, building complex Excel documents, and refining emails and Word documents,” said John Wright, Acting Lead, Digital Learning Technology, SCTL. “The session showed how AI can be applied responsibly and practically to real college workflows while giving employees greater confidence to explore new ways of working." 

With additional AI learning opportunities planned for the fall, SLC continues to invest in its people by creating opportunities to explore emerging technologies, embed innovation into everyday workflows, and enhance the student and employee experience. 

“Digital transformation is not about technology alone, it’s about empowering people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to thrive,” said Nelly Radfar, Chief Information Officer at SLC. “Through ongoing AI enablement efforts SLC is equipping employees with the skills and confidence needed to help build an AI-ready college.”