Course Description
Each spring, LDRS 399 students will work as a team to design, organize, and execute The Gold Star Journal Academic Conference (GSJAC). They will learn how to use the industry standard publishing software, InDesign, to create all promotional and conference materials, which include posters, certificates, framed gifts, postcards, donation signage, and the GSJAC program. Examples of students work from 2025 and 2026 appear below in the carousel.
Course Goals
Students will discover the responsibilities of an event planner, which includes the development of a vision, design, budget, marketing materials, and keepsakes. They will learn how to execute a conference while managing personnel.
Through the course, students will…
- Cultivate adaptability
- Grow teamwork skills
- Increase work ethic
- Improve time management skills
- Strengthen oral communication skills
- Increase attention to detail
- Become a more reflective leader
- Help produce the annual Gold Star Journal Academic Conference (GSJAC)
- Create marketing materials and conference materials for the GSJAC
- Nurture creativity