AI Residency Weekend Invites All Online Programs for a Weekend of Learning
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary welcomed online graduate business programs from all disciplines to its Fall 2023 Residency weekend. From October 27 to 29, students immersed themselves in the class "Artificial Intelligence: Strategic Applications for Business," led by Rachel Chung, Clinical Associate Professor, and Matt Williams, Visiting Clinical Professor. This residency marked a first-ever occasion as the business school extended its invitation to the entire spectrum of online graduate programs.
The residency weekend was a pivotal event designed to facilitate engagement and connection among online students who are otherwise geographically dispersed. Beyond the academic agenda, the conference-style weekend featured team-building activities, faculty lectures, and networking functions.
Neina Osibogun, Director of Student Experience & Affairs for the Center for Online Learning, expressed, “The Fall 2023 residency offered graduate online business students a rich and immersive experience, fostering opportunities for networking and collaboration with peers, faculty, and staff. This engagement spanned academic, professional, and social spheres, contributing to the development of a vibrant culture of connectedness within the W&M community.”
The event-filled weekend kicked off with the Online Student Resources Fair and opening reception on Friday afternoon at Miller Hall. As Saturday dawned, students delved into a knowledge-packed morning with faculty member, Professor Rachel Chung, who played a pivotal role in reshaping attendees' perspectives on AI applications.
On Saturday afternoon, students attended the W&M home football game against Monmouth University, offering students a chance to revel in the spirited camaraderie of collegiate sports. A networking dinner followed the game, creating a relaxed environment for students to forge connections with peers, faculty, and staff, fostering a sense of community that transcends the virtual realm of online learning.
The weekend wrapped up on Sunday featuring team activities, additional networking opportunities, and insightful conversations with Executive Partners, providing a holistic experience beyond traditional classroom settings.
One student highlighted, "Professor Chung's lectures were pivotal in reshaping my perspective on AI in business. I appreciate her approach in making complex concepts like neural networks and supervised learning accessible to non-STEM majors, providing a clear understanding of AI's relevance in today's industries."
The practical application of AI concepts was a recurring theme, with Professor Chung's Zillow example resonating with attendees. Her ability to demystify complex concepts, such as neural networks and supervised learning, was praised for making AI accessible to non-STEM majors and academics.
"In the pinnacle of Gartner's 2023 Hype Cycle, rational decision-makers prioritize value over hype. For business professionals, cultivating a factual understanding of AI's mechanics is paramount. My goal for students is to equip them with the ability to discern between AI hype and reality when evaluating vendor pitches. Crucially, they should reflect on why customers might hesitate to trust AI offerings. The essence of customer satisfaction, regardless of AI involvement, lies in under-promising and over-delivering. Overcommitting to 100% model accuracy, devoid of false positives, false negatives, and bias, is a recipe for under-delivery and disillusionment. Businesses must guide clients, set realistic expectations, and collaborate on sustainable solutions for AI model errors," said Chung.
Another graduate student commented, "The AI Residency Weekend at William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business proved to be a transformative experience for me. This course has provided invaluable insights, reshaping my perception of AI's role in my professional domain, as well as its application in both business and everyday life."
A consensus emerged on the transformative nature of the experience, with one student sharing how the course broadened their understanding of AI applications in the pharmaceutical industry and everyday life. Dr. Rachel Chung's live seminar on deep learning, using Zillow's Zestimate as a real-world example, left a lasting impression. Students saw the potential for AI to revolutionize demand forecasting, enhance inventory management, and streamline customer service in their respective industries.
The AI Residency Weekend at William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business surpassed traditional boundaries, providing a platform for online students to expand their knowledge of AI and build lasting connections with their peers and faculty. As the first residency to include all programs, this event marked a milestone in the evolution of online graduate programs, setting a precedent for future endeavors that bridge the gap between virtual and physical learning environments.
