College of Education & Human Services

Difference Maker Conference

Join us for this professional conference that focuses on the skills, resources, and knowledge that positions you to be a Difference Maker in your community and field.

Friday, April 12
2:00-4:30 Pm
WIU-Quad Cities Campus

Schedule:

2:00-2:30 pm Professional Social and Graduate School Fair
 2:30-2:40 pm Welcome
 2:50 - 3:30 pm Session I 
 3:40 -4:20 pm Session II

Session topics:

Wellness Through Play (hosted by Counselor Education)

"For humans, both young and old, play is a refuge from ordinary life, a sanctuary of the mind, where one is exempt from life’s customs, methods and decrees” (Ackerman,1996). Essentially, play is any activity that is  done simply for one’s sense of enjoyment rather than a goal-oriented activity that serves a practical purpose. Play boosts our sense of wellness through activities such as make-believe games, nondirected physical activities, dance, and art; basically any activity that allows for fun, joy and a sense of creativity. Join us to learn more about the benefits of play for young and old, and experience a sense of play for yourself as you discover how play can support one’s health and well-being.

Misinformation and the Production of Ignorance (hosted by College Student Personnel)

Agnotology is the study of ignorance and the spread of misinformation. It is prevalent in today's society fueled by deception dealers and the expansion of misinformation and unverified knowledge through various social media. Examples of agnotology include the calculated spread of misinformation by special interest groups, such as fossil fuel industry-funded studies to create doubt about the harmful effects on the environment from carbon emissions. In addition to the dissemination of misleading scientific data, agnotology is used in political contexts where misinformation is used to create confusion and doubt.

Detecting Deception (hosted by Law Enforcement & Justice Administration)

Wheather your focus is hiring staff, screening volunteers, coaching leaders, negotiating contracts, navigating a crisis, or working with clients, this session will help you look beyond the surface and notice human behavior that is often missed. This session features Dr. Frank Schweitzer and his skills as an FBI profiler.

Disease Detectives to the Rescue! (hosted by Public Health)

Keep your team healthy! Join us for a session in which we learn how to keep your staff, family, and community healthy and what can happenwhen it goes terrible wrong.
 
 
Building Your Personal Tool Box: Advice for Career Entry, Career Growth, and Leadership Development (hosted by Sport Management)

Join us for a leadership discussion as we explore how to game-plan for your future, and what it takes to be a successful leader and a what it takes to be a key difference maker in your professional field. This session features Conrad “Connie” Kowal with 40+ years of sport management experiences including 14 years with the Chicago Cubs (MLB), 3 years with the New Orleans Saints (NFL), and other leadership positions in motor sports and pro soccer.