2025 CCHA National Conference

The Evolving Workforce: AI, Community Colleges, and the Humanities

As vital institutions of higher education, community colleges play a crucial role in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the changing workforce. Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize industries, automating tasks, and creating new roles that demand a unique blend of skills and knowledge. In an increasingly technology-driven world, the humanities remain essential for developing critical thinking, communication, creativity, and ethical reasoning – highly valued skills in the AI age.

This conference will explore the critical role of community colleges in preparing students for this evolving landscape, focusing on how the humanities can be effectively integrated into workforce development programs and foster well-rounded individuals with the intellectual agility and adaptability to succeed in a complex and ever-changing world. We will delve into the connection between the humanities and workforce skills, the anticipated impact of AI on various sectors, the integration of AI concepts and ethical considerations into existing programs, providing pathways for individuals to acquire new skills and adapt to the changing demands of the labor market, and fostering strong collaborations between community colleges, businesses, and industry leaders to ensure that education and training align with the needs of the evolving workforce.

Conference Information

Call for Papers | Conference Registration | CCHA Website

The CCHA invites proposals from all community college humanities faculty engaged in innovative pedagogy, curriculum development, application, research scholarship, and progressive student success and retention programs. 

We are currently soliciting proposals at https://www.cchumanities.org/conferences/national/. Although submissions are welcome from any humanities field, the conference has TWO themes.

The Evolving Workforce: AI, Community Colleges, and the Humanities: As vital higher education institutions, community colleges play a crucial role in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the changing workforce. Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize industries, automating tasks, and creating new roles that demand a unique blend of skills and knowledge. In an increasingly technology-driven world, the humanities remain essential for developing critical thinking, communication, creativity, and ethical reasoning – highly valued skills in the AI age.

This conference will explore the critical role of community colleges in preparing students for this evolving landscape, focusing on how the humanities can be effectively integrated into workforce development programs and foster well-rounded individuals with the intellectual agility and adaptability to succeed in a complex and ever-changing world. We will delve into the connection between the humanities and workforce skills, the anticipated impact of AI on various sectors, the integration of AI concepts and ethical considerations into existing programs, providing pathways for individuals to acquire new skills and adapt to the changing demands of the labor market, and fostering strong collaborations between community colleges, businesses, and industry leaders to ensure that education and training align with the needs of the evolving workforce.

• When Left Alone: Recognizing the rapid and dislocating transformations that have defined 2025, we are also soliciting proposals in the following areas:
  • Free Speech vs. Anti-Semitism;
  • Students and Faculty Living in Fear of Deportation;
  • What Identity Politics? It’s the Economy Stupid;
  • Believe in Facts? The Politicization of Science; and
  • Does Institutional Power and Academic Authority Abhor an Empty Classroom?

 In addition to accepting proposals relevant to this new track, five afternoon roundtable discussion workshops on the same subjects will follow Friday’s plenary session by Dr. Christine Rosen.

Hotel Reservations

You can book a conference rate at the following hotels with the code CCHA2025.

The Gordon Hotel

A new art-centric hotel in Eugene, Oregon. Step through the doors of The Gordon and into your own creative space. Mix and mingle in the lobby, where you can grab a light snack or create art at The Art Bar. Our genuine, heartfelt hospitality will make you feel at home upon arrival. We invite you to find a cozy spot, read a book, or make a new friend. Our house is yours—do as little or as much as you’d like. Reserve your room at The Gordon Hotel.

The Inn at the 5th

Eugene's premier four-diamond hotel delivers an elevated experience. Inn at the 5th is a luxury boutique hotel for fine dining, wine tasting, and celebrating all of life’s happy occasions at the iconic 5th Street Public Market in downtown Eugene. Reserve your room at The Inn at the 5th.

You can also book by calling the Reservation Manager at 458-205-8014 and referencing code CCHA2025

Explore other hotel & lodging options here