Ethics in the Age of AI: Highlights from MSU Ethics Week 2026

Loading component...The second annual Ethics Week at MSU, held Feb. 16–20, allowed the campus and surrounding communities to engage in relevant and timely conversations about ethical considerations and decision-making. During Ethics Week, Broad College of Business welcomed Kay Firth-Butterfield (center), former Head of Artificial Intelligence and member of the Executive Committee at the World Economic Forum and is one of the foremost experts in the world on the governance of AI. Photo by Marcos Barrera. Programming expanded this year, with more than 30 events exploring artificial intelligence, leadership, entrepreneurship, law, economics, inclusion, information systems and more. The sessions attracted nearly 1,200 participants in person and online. Ray Gasser, assistant vice president of Residence Education and Housing Services, attended three sessions throughout the week to deepen his understanding of the ethical challenges shaping higher education and to reinforce his commitment to principled leadership. “As an assistant vice president, I recognize that the decisions we make influence not only our teams and units, but also the student experience,” Gasser shared. “The workshops offered spaces to step back from the day-to-day and reflect on how ethical principles should guide my decision-making, communication and how I build a team. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to continue to learn and contemplate my own ethics and values.” The week featured panel discussions, work...