FORUM Spring 2016 FORUM Spring 2016

ADVANCING THE PROFESSION AND THE FUTURE PROFESSIONAL SPRING 2016 VOL. 48, ISSUE 3 www.prssa.prsa.org/FORUM What Type of Person Do You Want to Be? FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK BY LAURA DARONATSY PRSSA NATIONAL PRESIDENT “What type of professional do you want to be?” This is a question you’ll face a lot as you get ready to graduate. Even more important is this question, “What type of person do you want to be?” As public relations pre-professionals — especially those in PRSSA — it’s easy for us to focus on our professional goals while in college. It seems like everyone I meet in PRSSA has some amazing experience or great dream for what they’ll do when they’re out in the real world. This makes sense because college is, by definition, an intellectual and professional training ground. However, it’s also a fitting time to reflect and grow personally. For most students, college is the first time living and making life decisions on their own. College is a chance to step back and objectively think about what you truly believe. Ask yourself: what are you doing now to refine yourself ? Try not to focus only on your professional skills, but also your character, your values, your soul. As graduation approaches, I’d like to challenge you to move beyond thinking only about what you want to do and into thinking about who you want to be. Below are some practical tips for this type of soul searching. Think critically about what you’ve been taught. When it comes to considering the globalized world we live in, it’s important we develop a framework for understanding our personal biases and where they come from. What makes you think SEE REFLECT, PAGE 3 OPEN FORUM 4 Welcome to the Crossroads National Conference Committee members (left to right) Reagan Van Cleave, Natalie Wichern, Katie Ronzio and Hannah Riffle, wave checkered flags to signal the start of Conference planning in front of the Indiana Statehouse. BY HANNAH RIFFLE BALL STATE UNIVERSITY In October, around 1,000 PRSSA members will gather in Indianapolis, the “Crossroads of Public Relations,” for the PRSSA 2016 National Conference. Will you be one of them? As soon as last year’s National Conference concluded, the National Conference Committee from Ball State University and University of Indianapolis revved up its planning engine. Here is what has happened so far: Staff from PRSSA Headquarters joined the Conference Committee at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, the Conference host hotel, to explore the venue. The PRSA Hoosier Chapter and the Conference Committee initiated an ongoing conversation to plan networking opportunities between professionals at the PRSA 2016 International Conference and PRSSA Conference attendees. Diverse session topics were chosen to educate and inspire students with varied interests and goals including: “Crises in the Crossroads,” “Blogging Rules to Follow and Break,” “Passion Over Paycheck,” “Work-it: Fashion Public Relations,” “Become One of the ‘40 under 40’,” “Stars of the Midwest” and more. Speakers were invited to share their knowledge and experience with future industry professionals. The Conference Opening Night Celebration theme was chosen. Get ready to socialize at “The PRSSA 500.” Stay tuned on social media for Conference planning updates. Aside from all of the Conference events, make sure to include some time in your schedule to explore Indianapolis. Do not miss these unique “Indy” attractions within walking distance of the Conference hotel: Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Monument Circle View the Monument from the surrounding stores and restaurants or walk 330 steps to the observation level for free. For just two dollars, you can take the elevator to step 290. From the observation level, you will see the Conference hotel, Lucas Oil Stadium, Eli Lilly and other Indianapolis landmarks. Indianapolis Cultural Trail The 8-mile bike and pedestrian trail will take you where you need to go in the city. If you do not have a destination in mind, hop on the trail and you are sure to find top-notch fun. Mass Avenue This cultural district has something to entertain many areas of interest, and you can get there via the Cultural Trail. While on Mass Avenue, visit Silver in the City, Homespun, BRU Burger and Sub Zero Ice Cream. SEE INDY, PAGE 11 Online Preparatory Course To Be Launched for Certificate Program BY TINA MCCORKINDALE, PH.D., APR PRSSA NATIONAL FACULTY ADVISER This summer, the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) and PRSA Educators Academy will release an online video preparatory course for students who want to obtain the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations. The Certificate in Principles of Public Relations is an entry-level certificate designed to demonstrate a fundamental level of knowledge for graduates entering the public relations profession and related fields. Previously, one of the requirements for students to be eligible to take the Certificate examination was a preparation NATIONAL COMMITTEE Meet the incoming PRSSA 2016– 2017 National Committee who were elected in Austin at National Assembly. course that had to be taught by a university or local UAB participating organization (such as PRSA, Florida Public Relations Association and Southern Public Relations Federation). Students will still be required to take a preparatory course, but now have the option of taking the online video preparation instead of an in-person course. The online video preparation course offers a series of video lectures by experienced educators, followed by quizzes to test the student’s knowledge of the study material. In addition to completing a 9 BUSINESS 101 “The Certificate gives students and graduates an advantage in a