In this episode of The Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Dr. Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Miranda Rodak, Senior Lecturer and Associate Director of the Communication and Professional Skills Department at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. With extensive cross-disciplinary teaching experience—spanning writing, rhetoric, communication, and business—Dr. Rodak brings an incredible blend of pedagogical depth, innovation, and leadership to the conversation.

Together, we explore her highly successful and widely discussed Hire AI assignment and how it reframes student writing by positioning AI as a consultant rather than a shortcut. We also trace Dr. Rodak’s journey across disciplines—transitioning from the Kelley School of Business to English and then back again—and unpack what those shifts reveal about the differing epistemologies, expectations, and cultures within higher education. Along the way, we talk about the unique ways business education responds to disruption, the growing tension between task-based instruction and deeper learning objectives, and how students thrive when we emphasize growth, agility, and multimodal digital literacy.

Fueled by Dr. Rodak's expertise in faculty development, generative AI, and active learning design, this episode offers not only fun conversation amongst friends, but rich insights into what it means to teach, create, and lead in an AI-enabled world.

A thoughtful and energizing conversation for anyone invested in the future of learning and classroom innovation.