K-State Social Media Week

Presented by: the K-State Institute for Civil Discourse and Democracy, the Huck Boyd National Center for Community Media, and K-State Pre-Law Ambassadors

As social media continues to evolve, so do the legal and ethical questions surrounding free speech, platform accountability, and government regulation. This expert panel will explore pressing issues such as the proposed TikTok ban, the shifting role of platforms like Meta and X in fact-checking, and the constitutional complexities of applying First Amendment protections to privately owned digital spaces. Panelists will discuss the risks and benefits of government regulation and concerns about overreach in content moderation. With the rise of AI-generated content and deepfakes, the conversation will also address ethical and legal considerations in preserving both free expression and public safety. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of speech in the digital age.

Featured Panelists:
-Dr. Nikhil Moro, Associate Professor, A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication at Kansas State University, Editor of the Journal of Media Law & Ethics
-Dr. Caitlin Ring Carlson, Chair & Professor, Department of Communication and Media at Seattle University
-Dr. Michael K. Park, Assistant Professor, College of Journalism and Mass Communications at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Licensed Attorney
-Lyndon W. Vix, Attorney at Law, Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch L.L.C.

Presented by: the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication, the K-State College of Education, and the Digital Media for Educators Graduate Certificate

As digital and social media reshape the educational landscape, how can educators harness these tools to enhance learning? This event explores the evolving role of digital platforms in education, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of integration. Join us for a dynamic discussion on effective teaching strategies, innovative platforms, and best practices for leveraging social media and digital tools to engage students and enrich the learning experience.

Featured Speakers:
-Dr. Jacob Groshek, Executive Director of the Institute for Representation in Society and Media and Chair of Emerging Media in the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication at Kansas State University
-Dr. Donald Saucier, University Distinguished Teaching Scholar, Professor of Psychological Sciences at Kansas State University, Faculty Associate Director of the Teaching and Learning Center
-Dr. Deepak Subramony, Professor in Educational Technology at Kansas State University, Coordinator of Educational Technology Graduate Programs
-Caleb Spegman, Account Manager, Meltwater Media, Social, and Consumer Intelligence

In an era of information overload, misinformation about farming practices and food production spreads rapidly across various media platforms, influencing public perception, consumer trust, and industry practices. This expert panel will explore amplification of agricultural misinformation through multiple media ecosystems, examining its impact on farmers, producers, and consumers. Our experts will also discuss the role of scientific and media literacy in combating misinformation, as well as potential collaborations between agricultural scientists, government agencies, and social media platforms to ensure accuracy in agricultural communication.

Featured Panelists:
-Moderator: Dr. Jacob Groshek, Executive Director of the Institute for Representation in Society and Media and Chair of Emerging Media in the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication at Kansas State University
Panelists:
-Dr. Jacqueline Aenlle, Assistant Professor, Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications at Kansas State University
-Dr. Mitch Ricketts, Professor, Agriculture Safety and Health at Kansas State University
-Dr. Gaurav Jha, Assistant Professor, Precision Agriculture at Kansas State University
-Alice Roach, Research Associate, Risk Management Center, at Kansas State University
-Dr. Hande Küçük McGinty, Assistant Professor, Computer Science at Kansas State University, Head of KONCORDANT Lab, Member of the Center for AI and Data Science (CAIDS)
-Nick Levendofsky, Executive Director, Kansas Farmers Union

Join us for a panel discussion featuring K-State students who manage social media for campus departments, student organizations, and initiatives. Hear their insights on content creation, engagement strategies, challenges, and the impact of digital storytelling in higher education.

Featured Panelists:
-Haylee Haslett - K-State Athletics Social Media
-Chante Crusoe - K-State Career Center Social Media
-Madison Coulter - Stayley School of Leadership Social Media
-Madi Quinn - A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication (Ambassador)
-Shane Bostick - Interfraternity Council, VP, Public Relations
-Lainey Johnson - Panhellenic Council, VP, Public Relations
-Erich Shapland - K-State Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), President and Student Governing Association (SGA), Public Relations Director

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the viral sensation that was the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Two of the event's creators with Weber Shandwick - Yasmine Nur (art director) and Rebecca Jakush (senior manager, earned media) - will share their social listening process and the strategies behind replicating and amplifying their success. This is a fantastic opportunity to see a social media campaign up close and learn from the professionals.

This hands-on workshop is designed to help you create a standout profile, showcase your skills, and grow your professional connections. Whether you're job searching, building your brand, connecting for research, or exploring career opportunities, this session will provide expert tips and strategies to make LinkedIn work for you.

The online social media management certificate - for undergraduates and industry professionals - is designed for anyone seeking to expand and enhance their knowledge and skills in social media strategies and best practices, daily management, and content creation. Learn more and ask questions during this informative session.