3:30–5:00 p.m.
How can social media drive real change? Learn from Jareen Imam, the former head of social video strategy for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, as she shares insights on using TikTok and other platforms to tell powerful stories, grow your online presence, and make an impact. Imam is a media executive and strategist with experience at CNN, NBC, Amazon, and the Harris campaign. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an industry professional.
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
GIS Day is celebrated across the world to facilitate learning about geography and the real-world applications of geographic information systems that are making a difference in society. • See where GIS is used in research and our community • Explore aerial photography and remote sensing equipment • Map arts (and crafts) - Fold your own paper globe - Decorate a square for the UO Map Quilt - Make map-themed bookmarks and pins • Lightning talks • Snacks
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Curious about career paths that value your academic training but exist beyond the traditional professor track? This workshop will introduce you to the world of “academic-adjacent” careers, that is roles in higher education, administration, management, research, nonprofits, industry, and more. Learn strategies for exploring opportunities, tailoring your materials, and showcasing your graduate skills in new contexts. It’s never too early or too late to broaden your options and discover where your expertise can take you.
This workshop is intended for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Please register at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0198e30437197e34a62676b34bfe2e41 to receive the Zoom link.
This event is part of the GradEdge: Midweek Career Workshops series. Join us every Wednesday afternoon this term!
1:00–4:00 p.m.
Step behind the scenes of the world's biggest sporting event to explore how the FIFA World Cup comes to life, not just on the field, but across the global business landscape. This cross-disciplinary event brings together FOX Sports executives and industry professionals to unpack the economic, media, policy, and operational forces that make the World Cup a defining moment in global sport.
Participants will gain foundational knowledge and practical insights across key domains that intersect around the tournament, including:
- Sports business – Broadcast rights, legal frameworks, sponsorships, marketing, partnerships, and audience research
- Sports journalism and broadcasting – TV production, digital storytelling, and behind-the-scenes coverage strategies
- Public policy and government relations – Host city strategy, global logistics, and the politics of international sport
- Human performance and sustainability – Environmental impact, athlete wellness, and large-scale event operations
- Media and communications – Gen Z engagement, cross-platform campaigns, and fan experience innovation
Students who register for this event will be given first consideration for sports-industry related Professional Edge immersion opportunities.
Guest Speakers
- November 7 – COMPLETE
- Nuno Silva – Vice President and General Manager, North America Soccer, Nike
- Ernesto Bruce – Chief Executive Officer, FOR SOCCER
- John Strong – Soccer Play-by-Play Announcer, FOX Sports
- Whit Haskel – Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing, FOX Sports
- David Higdon – Executive Vice President, Communications, Kansas City Chiefs
- Barbara Blangiardi – Producer and Marketing Executive
- November 21 – OPEN FOR REGISTATION
- John Strong – Soccer Play-by-Play Announcer, FOX Sports
- Elizabeth McGuire – Vice President, Brand Alliances, Major League Soccer / Soccer United
- Sara Hussain – Head, Environment, FIFA26
- Ed Swindler – Media Advisor; Former C-Level Executive, NBCUniversal, Inc.
- Rachel Sollenberger – Senior Director, Digital Operations, FOX Sports
- Barbara Blangiardi – Producer and Marketing Executive
Whether you're interested in media, business, public policy, or global events, this session offers a rare look at how sport, commerce, and culture converge on the world stage.
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Take a break from studying and join us for a night of holiday cheer and connection with other students!
Student Panel:
- Nick Batchelder - J.P. Morgan, Summer Analyst
- Nicholas Laureano - Microsoft, Software Engineering Intern
- Taliek Lopez-Duboff - US House of Representatives, Legislative Intern
- Tarek Anthony - OPB, News Intern
Hone your networking skills while making meaningful connections with other ambitious students from diverse backgrounds, and enjoy FREE food and drinks.
Connect@UO is the premier student-run networking organization at the University of Oregon, hosting twice-per-term networking mixers and various pop-up events for all majors. We strive to uplift the community, help students enhance their networking skills, and connect individuals with those they never thought they would meet.
For more information about the event and Connect@UO, visit our Instagram page @connect.uo
Bring a friend and get ready for a great time!
4:00–6:00 p.m.
How do robots help fight wildfires? What drives “kayaktivists” to take on oil companies from the water?
Join us for Living in Our Valley, a public showcase of powerful environmental journalism from University of Oregon students.
Through stories, visuals, and community conversations, we’ll explore the connections that tie Willamette Valley residents to our rivers, forests, and changing climate.
6:30–10:00 p.m.
The UO Hip Hop Jam is a free, all ages, and open to the community celebration of hip hop music, dance, art, and culture. Doors at 6:30. The event is organized by 20 first year students with two undgraduate mentors and a faculty member.
This year our event will feature performances by Vary, BATHLETE, Prim8s, and K.I. Design, live graffiti by Tasko, scratch DJ set by DV8/Connah Jay/food stamp, and dance by Duck Street Dance Crew, Kings Krew, flex Studios, Flock Rock and breakdance and pop and lock ciphers with Portland and Seattle breakers. We will also host and open dance cipher 9:30-10pm.
This year we are also doing a free raffle with some incredible prizes inlcuding new hip hop vinyl records and movie passes (the raffle will be at the end of the night).
Thanks to this year's co-sponsors: Cinema Studies, First Year Programs, Broadway Metro, Art House Cinemas, and more TBD.
5:00 p.m.
What is Research? (2026) will explore various natures, purposes, and roles of research across disciplines, fields, and areas. The event will consider frameworks of systematic and creative inquiry, including methods, designs, analyses, discoveries, collaborations, dissemination, ethics, integrity, diversity, media/technologies, and information environments.
This year delves into research in its many forms, including searching, critically investigating, and re-examining existing knowledge, as well as emerging functions and procedures in machine intelligence and computation. It will highlight pluralities of research pathways, examining time-honored approaches and new ways of knowing, precedents, issues, and futures. It considers challenges and possibilities that researchers face in today’s rapidly changing world, and ways to promote ethical, inclusive, and impactful research.
The event celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the Communication and Media Studies Doctoral Program in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon.
What is Research? (2026) will explore various natures, purposes, and roles of research across disciplines, fields, and areas. The event will consider frameworks of systematic and creative inquiry, including methods, designs, analyses, discoveries, collaborations, dissemination, ethics, integrity, diversity, media/technologies, and information environments.
This year delves into research in its many forms, including searching, critically investigating, and re-examining existing knowledge, as well as emerging functions and procedures in machine intelligence and computation. It will highlight pluralities of research pathways, examining time-honored approaches and new ways of knowing, precedents, issues, and futures. It considers challenges and possibilities that researchers face in today’s rapidly changing world, and ways to promote ethical, inclusive, and impactful research.
The event celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the Communication and Media Studies Doctoral Program in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon.
What is Research? (2026) will explore various natures, purposes, and roles of research across disciplines, fields, and areas. The event will consider frameworks of systematic and creative inquiry, including methods, designs, analyses, discoveries, collaborations, dissemination, ethics, integrity, diversity, media/technologies, and information environments.
This year delves into research in its many forms, including searching, critically investigating, and re-examining existing knowledge, as well as emerging functions and procedures in machine intelligence and computation. It will highlight pluralities of research pathways, examining time-honored approaches and new ways of knowing, precedents, issues, and futures. It considers challenges and possibilities that researchers face in today’s rapidly changing world, and ways to promote ethical, inclusive, and impactful research.
The event celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the Communication and Media Studies Doctoral Program in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon.
4:00–6:00 p.m.
Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026!
For graduate RSVP requirements and day-of details, email sojcevents@uoregon.edu or call 541-346-2876