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Free registration for the CSC U Virtual Camp is available at CSCommunicators.com/register
Join practicing athletics communications professionals for a two-day “know the basics” virtual camp June 1-2. The sessions will focus on the basics of being an athletics communicator and provide practical tips for starting your career.Who should attend:
- Undergraduate students contemplating a career in athletics communication
- Graduate students and interns currently working in athletics communications roles
- Full-time athletics communicators who are early in their careers
The sessions will include information pertinent for all types of athletics storytellers - traditional media relations practitioners, creative and design professionals and social media managers - at all levels within the NCAA, the NAIA, two-year colleges and Canadian institutions.
The schedule will be available soon and registration is open now for the free two-day event. Past camps have included sessions on writing, stat-keeping, networking and mentorship.
The camp is hosted by the CSC U Committee, which is responsible for educating college students in the field of sports communications. In addition, it assists educators in learning about the profession for potential speaking opportunities from the sports communications professional on campus. The CSC U motto is to “educate educators” and “find our future.”
Schedule of events
Session 1: Thursday, June 1, 1:00 PM (ET)
How to Organize and Plan Office Work
Panelists: Rachel Moore (Central Methodist); J.D. Campbell (Indiana); Keonte' Herrera (LSU); Moderator Josh Lively (Tennessee)
Your week is busy, and preparing for dos and deadlines is mission-critical to your success during the week. Get started on the right foot each day by making sure you have deadlines and reminders on your calendar in advance. Some of the topics to be covered during this session include:
- Player-of-the-week submissions and voting
- Graphics, website maintenance and game file updates
- Prioritizing your time and making sure you take care of the “needs” before the “wants”
- “Monday is the SID’s time”
Session 2: Thursday, June 1, 3:30 PM (ET)
Creating and Maintaining Relationships with Coaches and Staff
Panelists: Bill Massoels (MSOE); Lynn Walsh (College of Charleston); Maurice Williams (Clemson); Moderator: Colin Terrill (MSOE)
Forming a good relationship with coaches and staff members is key to performing our jobs to the best of our abilities. In this panel, we will discuss how you can communicate effectively with coaches so you can support your school, programs and student-athletes. We will also talk about how to develop relationships with staff members, including your athletic director. Topics include:
- How to bounce ideas off your coworkers instead of sharing complaints
- Approaching someone at the AD level when you are first starting out
- How to defuse conflict or approach a coach that has issues/complaints
Session 3: Friday, June 2, 1:00 PM (ET)
Game-day Operations Prep
Panelists: Denise Archetto (UNCG); Jordyn Ballard (K-State); Brandon Vickrey (Valpo); Moderator: Rachel Coe (Purdue)
Effectively handling game-day preparation and duties will increase the likelihood of your event’s success and allow you to handle the unexpected. Some items to look forward to:
- Checklists for what to do and when
- Problem-solving when issues arise
- Determining what takes priority on game day
Bonus Video: Released Friday, June 2 following Session 3
Resources and Advice for New Professionals
You’ve got questions. We have answers. At your own convenience, watch this short video full of resources for new athletics communicators. Producer: Keonte' Herrera and Hannah Ericksen from LSU.