How do we know the learning is real?
A full day 'Students First' symposium for the higher education leaders who have to answer that question: for their assessment policy, their students, and the value of their degrees.
Studiosity Partner Forum · Sydney · 13 October 2026. No cost for Studiosity partner institutions. Places are limited to two people per institution.
When
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Timing
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Where
Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Who it is for
Academic and student experience leaders at Studiosity partner institutions.
Ensure your seat is saved
Registration takes under a minute. Two places per partner institution, allocated in order of registration.
Why now
When AI can give all the answers, how are universities ensuring students are doing the thinking?
Operationalising assessment policy in the face of widespread AI use is the task in front of every university right now. It underpins graduate capability, and quality in the eyes of the public, students, and communities of practice.
Four reasons the question is pressing:
- Students need literacy before AI literacy, to develop critical thinking and their own authentic voice
- Educators are overburdened with policework, and the 'detection arms race' of technology is not conducive to learning
- Employers want to hire critical thinkers: people able to build connections, and solve complex problems
- Enduring degree value lies in the validation of learning journeys, and in real, human experiences
So, how can higher education ensure students are doing the thinking? A day together, to answer it.
Four things you will take back to campus
Peer-led provocations
Sector leaders set aside the standard framings and put provocations on the future of higher education, for open discussion.
Interactive workshops
There is no sector-standard answer yet for how universities will ensure students are doing the thinking. Three working sessions exist to write it together.
Exclusive insights
Partner institutions see the product roadmap ahead of release and shape its priorities. Meet the Studiosity team, including the CEO, General Manager and CPO.
Student voices
Students have a seat at the table. A panel of current students responds candidly to your questions on satisfaction, support, and what helps them learn.
A day shaped around the question
Tuesday 13 October, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Indicative programme only. Sessions are confirmed progressively prior to the day.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Registration, coffee and connections |
| 8:50 am | Welcome to Country |
| 9:00 am | Welcome and framing: how do we know the learning is real? |
| 9:15 am | The state of higher learning in Australia: where are we now? With Prof Kerri-Lee Krause |
| 9:45 am | The reading brain in a digital world: a dive into 'Reader, Come Home' with Maryanne Wolf [virtual] |
| 10:30 am | Morning tea |
| 10:50 am | Better at the hard parts: AI, adaptive capabilities and assurance of learning with Prof Jason Lodge |
| 11:30 am | How Studiosity supports assurance of learning: what partners have found so far, and the product roadmap. With Greg Hodgson, CPO |
| 12:10 pm | Lunch |
| 1:10 pm | Workshop: What validation of learning looks like with Chris Fitzpatrick |
| 2:15 pm | Student voices panel: “What is the value of my degree?” |
| 2:35 pm | Facilitated roundtable discussions |
| 3:20 pm | Afternoon tea |
| 3:40 pm | Partner Perspectives: Case studies and best practices (University of Canberra, Swinburne University of Technology, and more) |
| 4:40 pm | Commitments, next steps and closing remarks |
| 5:00 pm | Close of event |
Who you will hear from
Confirmed speakers
More to be announced soon.
Professor Kerri-Lee Krause PhD GAICD
Chief Commissioner, TEQSA
Leads the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, with a career spanning quality assurance, learning and teaching, and institutional leadership.
Professor Jason Lodge
Professor, School of Education, University of Queensland
An educator and psychological scientist, internationally recognised for work on learning, educational technology, and artificial intelligence.
Maryanne Wolf
Director, Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners and Social Justice, UCLA
A scholar, teacher, and global literacy advocate, and acclaimed author of Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain and Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World.
Professor Judyth Sachs
Chief Academic Officer, Studiosity
Former Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost at Macquarie University, and former Pro Vice Chancellor, learning and teaching, at the University of Sydney.
Practical details
Is there a cost to attend?
No. The forum is hosted by Studiosity for partner institutions, including catering and the networking reception. You cover your own travel and accommodation.
Who should attend from my institution?
The people who set and operationalise assessment and academic integrity policy: deputy vice chancellors academic, pro vice chancellors learning and teaching, directors of student experience, academic quality leads, and library and learning support leaders. Two places are held per institution.
Can I attend part of the day only?
Yes. Tell us in the registration form the timing that suits you, and we will plan catering accordingly. Delegates get the most from the event by attending the whole day.
How do I get there?
The Australian Museum is located in the heart of Sydney at 1 William Street, directly opposite Hyde Park and near Museum Station. We will be in the Harbour View 2 Room, which is on level 4 of the Museum. Closest parking facility is 70 Riley St Car Park, a short walk away.
Will sessions be recorded or shared?
Presentations, provocations and the student panel are shared with registered delegates afterwards. Workshop discussion stays in the room so the conversation can be candid.
What if my plans change?
Email us and we will transfer your place to a colleague. Places are limited, so early notice helps another institution attend.
Still deciding? Reserve your place now and confirm attendees later.