Upcoming Events/Workshops

How do I join the event?

View the event at events.nau.edu Look for:  Join the Microsoft Teams Meeting on [date/time] just below the horizontal rule line

Can I view past events?

Yes, previous events recordings are posted for those unable to attend.

AI Events

Brown Bag Lunch/Dinner Series

The AI Brown Bag Series is a monthly, informal learning opportunity for NAU faculty and staff to explore how AI can support both work and everyday life.
Each session focuses on practical, real-world use cases—from managing email and staying organized to exploring creativity, learning, and personal workflows. Some sessions are more productivity-focused, while others lean into more exploratory or creative uses of AI. The goal is to give you ideas you can adapt in ways that are useful to you.

Brown Bag Session Schedule

What to Expect

  • 45–60 minute sessions
  • Practical examples you can apply in work or personal contexts today
  • Live demonstrations across a variety of AI tools (e.g., Copilot, Gemini, Claude)
  • Space for questions, discussion, and shared ideas
  • No prior AI experience required

Session Themes

Rather than following a fixed track, the Brown Bag Series rotates through different themes to reflect the range of ways AI can be used.

Productivity and Workflow:  Using AI to support day-to-day tasks like email management, organization, and keeping track of information.

Learning and Communication:  Exploring how AI can help with writing, language, and ongoing learning—whether for work or personal interests.

Creativity and Idea Development:  Looking at how AI can support brainstorming and creative work, while still keeping human perspective at the center.

Everyday and Emerging Uses:  Exploring topics that don’t always fit neatly into a single category—such as personal organization, sustainability, finance, or other evolving use cases.

Recently Covered Topics

View previous event recordings

Some of the themes explored in recent sessions include:

  • Using Copilot Basic/Premium in Outlook to manage email and communication (May 206)
  • AI as a mobile assistant and thought partner (June 2026)
  • AI as a learning partner (July 2026)

 

Future Topics and Exploration Areas

Topics shift over time based on participant interest, emerging tools, and new ways of working with AI.

As the series continues, sessions may explore topics such as:

  • Using AI to challenge assumptions and test ideas
  • Supporting research, reporting, and data analysis
  • Comparing strengths across tools like Gemini and NotebookLM
  • AI in the Kitchen: Learn how to turn “random items in the fridge” into a five-star meal plan and grocery list.
  • The Ultimate Trip Planner: How to use AI to build custom travel itineraries, find hidden gems, and manage travel logistics for your next vacation.
  • The Hobby Hack: Use AI to help you learn a new skill faster, whether it is practicing a musical instrument, gardening, or wood-working.
  • Personal Finance Buddy: Discover how AI can help you organize a home budget, track savings goals, and find ways to cut monthly costs.
  • Fitness On-Demand: Create personalized workout plans and wellness routines that actually fit your specific schedule and equipment.
  • The Creative Spark: Use AI to help you write a song, draft a short story, or even come up with bedtime stories for your kids.
  • Smart Home DIY: Get step-by-step guidance for home repairs and organization projects tailored to your specific space.
  • Language Partner: Practice a new language in a low-pressure way by having a real-time conversation with an AI tutor.
  • Digital Memory Keeper: Learn how AI can help you organize years of personal photos, write captions, and even create digital scrapbooks.

To request a Brown Bag Lunch topic, email us at AI@nau.edu.