USask Assessment Conference

April 29 & 30, 2026  - Exploring and evolving assessment practices at USask.

Assessment is changing.

This USask Assessment Conference brings our educators and leadership together to rethink and redesign assessment for a rapidly evolving teaching and learning landscape. Through research-informed perspectives and practical examples from across disciplines, participants will explore approaches that strengthen student learning. Join us for the free one-day conference and special guest speaker.

Conference Overview

  Weds, April 29 - Keynote Speaker (Online only)
 3:00 - 4:30pm, Zoom

Prior to the conference day, join us for a 90-minute, online-hosted keynote speaker, Professor Phillip Dawson, where he examines the question, 'As AI becomes an ever-present part of professional and academic life, how do we design assessments that both uphold integrity and prepare students for this new reality?'  Please see further details about our guest speaker below.

  Thurs, April 30 - Conference Day (In person only)
  8:30am - 4:00pm, WP Thompson Building

On Thursday, April 30th, our in-person event features informative sessions and active discussions led by the USask Assessment Champions (USask instructors/staff) and a team of experts from the Gwenna Moss Centre. This day is aimed for us to explore common challenges, surface effective approaches, and share practical insights drawn from assessment work currently underway across USask. Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided during the day.

Please note: Registration is required and is managed separately for each event. Attend one or both dates, depending on your availability.

This conference is aimed for USask educators, staff, and leadership. Our keynote capacity is 499 on Zoom, and the in-person conference capacity is 180 seats. If the event(s) becomes full, please join the waitlist and hold the date in your calendar. We will notify the waitlist as seats become available. *Photographs may be taken at the in person event. 

Through this opportunity to connect with our colleagues, we will,

Self-reflect on:
• How do my current assessment practices support learning, integrity, and transparency?
• Where am I feeling confident and where do I need support?
• What questions do I have about assessment redesign?

Exchange knowledge in collaborative conversations on:
• How to (re)design assessment in meaningful ways.
• What strategies are helping balance workload, academic integrity, and student learning?
• What are the opportunities and challenges?

Hear from USask educators and leaders about:
• Current institutional assessment priorities and the broader change underway.
• Practical examples from USask Assessment Champions, our own faculty sharing their assessment stories.
• Where is this going? 

Review implications and next steps:
• What shifts feel possible in my own courses, programs, or college context?
• What advice would we give the implementation team about needs and next steps?

Overview of the in person conference:

Morning

Conference Address:
Dr. Susan Bens, Academic Integrity Specialist and Dr. Wendy James, Director, GMCTL

Break-out Workshops:

  1. Redesigning your assessment to meet the challenge of AI
  2. Planning for assessment policy and practice changes in your college or department
Lunch Lunch will be provided
Afternoon

Concurrent Sessions with USask Assessment Champions
(4 sessions to choose from; themes will be announced)

Closing Remarks and Next Steps:
Dr. Nancy Turner, Interim Associate Provost, Teaching Innovation and Strategic Initiatives

 *Our full agenda will be shared in advance of the conference date.

April 29th - Keynote Speaker, Professor Phillip Dawson

image of Dr. Simon Bates, University of British Columbia

Online only | 3:00-4:30pm | Platform: Zoom | Live Q&A | Recording not available

Assessment Design for a time of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence can now generate outputs that meet the requirements of high-stakes assessments across many disciplines. This has sparked concerns about students using AI inappropriately to complete tasks, misrepresenting their abilities. It also raises deeper questions about the sustainability and authenticity of current assessment practices. 

This presentation examines how assessment must evolve in response to AI. It draws on the presenter’s work as one of the leaders of Assessment Reform for a Time of Artificial Intelligence, a major Australian project funded by the national higher education regulator. As AI becomes an ever-present part of professional and academic life, how do we design assessments that both uphold integrity and prepare students for this new reality?

Prof. Phillip Dawson is from the Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning (CRADLE), Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia

Introducing the 2026 USask Assessment Champions!

The USask Assessment Champions are our colleagues who are currently designing, using, and sharing thoughtful and impactful assessment practices that strengthen student learning and success.

Afternoon sessions on April 30th will be led and faciliated by the USask Assessment Champions.

Elaina Guilmette School of Environment and Sustainability
Ella Ophir College of Arts and Science
Greg Malin College of Medicine
Harold Bull College of Medicine
Jan Gelech College of Arts and Science
Jennifer Loewen Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Jordan Raymond College of Education
Mark Klassen Edwards School of Business
Michel Gravel College of Arts and Science
Michelle Bussière-Prytula Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Randi Strunk College of Engineering
Taylor Raiche College of Pharmacy and Nutrition

This event is co-hosted by the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning and the Interim Associate Provost, Teaching Innovation and Strategic Initiatives.