This 30 minute session will focus on the act of “meeting students where they are.” Their tools, interests, and culture deeply affect engagement and retention within the classroom, which means that instructors should be willing to adapt and engage with students in new and innovative ways. We will discuss the use of pop culture to expand engagement and retention and have dialogue surrounding students’ use of AI both within the classroom and outside of it. This session will take place Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 1:00-1:30pm via Webex.