Raymond A. Mason School of Business Hosts AI-Focused Residency Weekend for Online Graduate Students
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary recently hosted its Fall 2024 Residency Weekend, bringing together online graduate business students for an intensive exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) in business. Students from 16 states, as well as from China and Canada, took part in the immersive learning experience at the university's historic campus in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Professor Tingting (Rachel) Chung, associate clinical professor of operations and information systems, and Przemek Praszczalek, adjunct professor and director of Identity Products & Innovation at Mastercard, led comprehensive sessions on AI applications in business. The curriculum covered fundamental concepts, including model performance, regression analysis and practical applications in payments and fraud prevention.
"It's not the kind of AI workshop that stops at the surface level," said Xuanmiao Feng, MS in Marketing Candidate '25. "It really shows you how models work and tells you how the code is working.”
The biannual event, mandatory for Online MBA and Online Master of Science in Marketing students, represents a crucial component of the business school's commitment to blended learning experiences. Students engaged with JASP statistical analysis software and participated in hands-on exercises designed to demystify artificial intelligence concepts.
"I'm grateful that these accomplished and curious professionals are willing to sit down with me and just draw neurons and neural networks patiently by hand so we can truly understand what AI is," Dr. Chung noted during the sessions.
The weekend provided valuable networking opportunities for students across multiple online graduate programs. Ivan Trent, MS in Marketing Candidate '25 and Online MBA alumnus, attended his third Residency Weekend, highlighting the unique value of each experience.
"Not one residency is the same," Trent explained. "The group of students you're working with will vary each time. You might have a team that is more creative or more analytical—it's always a mix. This challenges your ability to adapt to different scenarios."
The event strengthened connections between online students and faculty members. Sailesh Patel, faculty lead for the Online MS in Marketing program, emphasized the importance of in-person interaction: "Zoom and online interactions are great, but there's something valuable about meeting in person."
The success of the Fall 2024 Residency Weekend demonstrates the business school's commitment to innovative education and professional development. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape business practices, the Mason School of Business remains at the forefront of preparing students for leadership roles in an AI-driven business landscape.
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the business school's admissions office for more information about William & Mary's online graduate business programs.
