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I-Comm Week returns: The CIC celebrates innovation, research and achievement

Posted March 6, 2019
By Rebekah Friedman, communications manager
Top photo: Lee Rainie, director of internet and technology for Pew Research Center, explored recent research on the public perception of librarians and journalists at the 2018 Deans' and Directors' Lecture.


If you were a CIC student in the early years — following the 2002 merger of the School of Library and Information Science and the School of Journalism  you might remember I-Comm Week. From 2004 to 2012, this events series promoted collaboration between the two schools through awards programs, guest speakers, research presentations and more.

Now, I-Comm Week is back. From April 15 to 18, you can learn about the information and communications industries and celebrate the CIC’s successes. Here’s the full 2019 line-up:


Monday, April 15

CIC USCreativity Design Challenge Presentation
Noon-1 p.m.
Davis College, Room 110

The CIC’s research is about to get a big boost thanks to funding from USCreativity. Join faculty members from both schools as they share their vision for transforming Davis 110 into a cutting-edge research lab equipped with eye tracking and biometrics technology. This redesigned space will greatly enhance the types of research our faculty and graduate students are able to conduct, particularly in the areas of data, media and society. Open to the public.

SXSW Recap Presentation
2 p.m.
School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Room 318

Come hear from the CIC students and faculty members who attended the 2019 SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. They'll share everything they learned about emerging technologies and trends in the communications and information sectors. Open to the public.


Tuesday, April 16

Deans’ and Directors’ Lecture and Awards
5:30-8 p.m.
South Carolina State Library, 1500 Senate Street

Since 1986 the School of Library and Information Science has held the annual Deans' and Directors' Lecture in honor of previous administrators. This year’s event will kick off with the induction of new members into Beta Phi Mu, the national honor society in Library and Information Science, followed by SLIS’s annual awards presentation for outstanding students, employees, alumni and the 2019 Annual Literacy Leader (ALL). The evening will conclude with a lecture from Pamela Nash Davenport of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, who will share about her career journey into the LIS field. Free and open to the public.

Let's Be Frank: A CIC Hot Dog Social
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
School of Journalism and Mass Communications Rose Garden

All CIC students, faculty and staff are invited to drop by for a hot dog.


Wednesday, April 17

Baldwin Business and Financial Journalism Lecture
7 p.m.
School of Journalism and Mass Communications auditorium

Bloomberg News journalist Karen Amanda Toulon will speak at the J-school’s annual Baldwin Lecture, a signature event made possible thanks to a generous donation from alumnus Ken Baldwin. The lecture is part of the Baldwin Initiative, a broader effort to ensure that the next generation of communicators are well-versed in the business and financial issues impacting news consumers.

Toulon, editor of global content and talent development for Bloomberg, provides on-air coaching for print journalists, researchers and broadcast staff; helps develop cross-platform initiatives, often with a diversity focus; provides university instruction; and supports Bloomberg’s news leadership efforts. Open to the public.


Thursday, April 18

CIC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Research Symposium
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Room 318

Now in its second year, this event showcases the latest CIC research related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Andrew Billings, the Ronald Reagan Chair of Broadcasting at the University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences, will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. Faculty from both schools will delve into their research as part of a panel moderated by SJMC Professor Laura Smith. And last year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Nicole Cooke from the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, will return to introduce the keynote speaker.

Lunch will be provided. The symposium is open to the public, but registration is required as space is limited.
Register here»


Thursday, April 18

SJMC Awards Day
4 p.m.
Kennedy Greenhouse Studio, 820 Sumter Street 

Following the university’s student awards ceremony, the School of Journalism and Mass Communications will host an informal reception to recognize outstanding seniors and student groups. This event is open to award recipients, their families and CIC faculty and staff.


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