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University Communicator Network

GVSU CommCon Presented by the University Communicator Network

GVSU CommCon 2026

Registration for CommCon is closed!

Please see below for a link to be added to the waitlist.

in light blue bubble GVSU Comm Con

Calling all communicators!

June 17, DCIH

Sponsored by the University Communicator Network, the June 17 daylong conference at the DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health on the Health Campus is designed to support you at every stage of telling the GVSU story.

Registration is full. Please fill out this form to be placed on a waitlist to attend CommCon.

The day will include an inspiring keynote speaker, a luncheon address from President Philomena V. Mantella, breakout sessions and opportunities to win swag items. 

Learn about conference updates by subscribing to the UCN newsletter.  

Keynote Speaker

Imran Mazid

We are pleased to welcome Imran Mazid, GVSU associate professor of advertising and public relations, who will present a morning plenary address during the GVSU CommCon. 

Mazid will address the challenges and ethical considerations of artificial intelligence in communications while asking this question: While AI changes the communication landscape, are we changing how we communicate in ways that truly reach people, resonate with them and help them feel they belong?

His research focuses on the strategic use of social media in public relations, particularly how storytelling and social presence can enhance audience engagement. A central theme to Mazid's work is the intersection of big data and digital media. Through empirical analysis of large datasets, he investigates how strategic message design influences audience engagement.

Imran Mazid in dark blue jacket and white shirt

Imran Mazid, associate professor of advertising and public relations

GVSU CommCon Schedule

Time

Event

Session

8:30-9 a.m.

Registration / Light Breakfast

9-9:50 a.m.

Welcome / Keynote Address

 

The Audience Has Changed. Have We Changed with It? Human-Centered Communication for the AI Era, presented by Imran Mazid (School of Communications)

10-10:45 a.m.

Breakout Session #1 (Choose one)
  • Social Media 101: Leverage Your GVSU Accounts for Campus Engagement, presented by Julianna Schrier (University Communications)
  • Reaching and Resonating with Diverse Audiences, presented by Rick Vandermolen, Cathy Meyer-Looze (College of Education and Community Innovation)
  • MCP Student Engagement & Phantom Detection System, presented by Charitha Subrahmanya Kodumagulla (College of Computing)

11-11:45 a.m.

Breakout Session #2 (Choose one)
  • Adobe Express Workshop, presented by Stephanie Aikens, Rick Luce, John Zerfas, Elizabeth Metivier (University Marketing)
  • Moments that Move People: Bringing the Brand to Life in Your Channels, presented by Liz Lienau, Nick Viau (University Marketing)
  • What Drives Incoming Students to Act? Insights from Admissions Communications Across the Enrollment Journey, presented by Amanda Rainey (Admissions and Recruitment Office)

Noon-12:50 p.m.

Lunch / Keynote Address

Presented by President Philomena V. Mantella

1-1:45 p.m.

Breakout Session #3 (Choose one)
  • CMS 5: Publications Platform Preview, presented by Josh Isaak, Justin Wickenheiser (University Marketing)
  • Nothing About Us Without Us: International Student Perspectives on Miscommunication, presented by Brehanna Ramos, Erick Anangwe, Joyce Jepleting, Mandi Hazra (Admissions and Recruitment Office)
  • Designing AI-Enhanced Communication Without Eroding Human Engagement, presented by Arya Jadhav, Allison Bazaire (College of Computing)

2-2:45 p.m.

Breakout Session #4 (Choose one)
  • From Draft to Done: How AI Can Elevate Higher Ed Communications, presented by Brian Vernellis (University Communications)
  • Metrics that Matter: Tracking and Interpreting your Social Media Analytics, presented by Sarah Dudinetz (University Communications)
  • Accessible Documents Everywhere: Bold Text Is Not a Heading, presented by Julia Vandermolen (Public Health), Barbara Stevens (eLearning Technologies)

3-3:30 p.m.

Closing / 
Prize Drawing

Presented by the UCN Committee
Page last modified May 27, 2026