Build a better brand with MIPA
July 20-24, 2025
$545 — for MIPA members; $570 — for non-members
Add $75 for registrations after June 15
This is an-person, residential program. Space is limited.
Last day to register: July 1, or while seats remain available
Last day to request a roommate: July 1
About This Course
Let’s face it: Social media is an essential part of the work that we do as journalists.
It’s time to develop our skills and a solid social media plan that will meet readers on their social media platforms and bring them to your website, if you have one. If you don’t, that is ok! You are welcome here, because this course will focus on getting everyone up to speed and using social media platforms to meet readers where they are the most…on social media.
We will focus on creating powerful journalism on Instagram, developing Twitter handles that serve our readers and tweets that engage them, and using Facebook to meet the middle-aged readers where they are, because we need them!
Come and develop your social media skills and create a social media plan that you can bring back to your staff.
This is an in-person, residential program. Participants will stay in an MSU residence hall with at least one roommate. Meals are provided in a residential hall cafeteria. Workshop sessions are held in MSU classrooms, which may be a short walk from the residence hall.
This workshop course is open to youth participants entering grades 7 through 12.
Mishal Charania
Instructor
Mishal Charania is an award-winning collegiate journalist and an audience engagement specialist, serving as editor-in-chief of The Michiganensian yearbook at the University of Michigan. She’s also worked for The Michigan Daily. She is interested in the intersection of design, social media and storytelling. This is her sixth year participating in the MIPA Summer Workshop.
Supplies & Equipment
- This course is scheduled to be held in a computer lab. Access to a laptop to work on assignments outside of class time is optional.
- Google/Gmail account to use Google Classroom, Docs and other services
- Access to social media accounts for your school media program, if possible
- Smartphone
- Dictionary, thesaurus and AP Stylebook (optional)
- Good attitude, desire to learn, ability to have fun
Special Needs & Accommodations
MIPA is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Jeremy Steele, MIPA executive director, at 517-353-6761 or ask@mipamsu.org at least 10 business days prior to the start of our program so that we have time to make necessary arrangements. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Workshop Schedule
All times are in the Eastern time zone. Schedule is subject to change.
Sunday Schedule
- 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Check in
- 5-6:30 p.m. — Dinner
- 6:45 p.m. — Opening session
- 7:30 p.m. — First class meeting
- 8:15 p.m. — Keynote
- 9 p.m. — Recreational activities
- 10:45 p.m. — Floor meeting
- 11:15 p.m. — Bed check
- 1 a.m. — Lights out
Monday-Wednesday Schedule
- 7:15-8:45 a.m. — Breakfast
- 9-11:30 a.m. — Workshop class session
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. — Lunch
- 1:30-4 p.m. — Workshop class session
- 4-5 p.m. — MIPA Cup Tournament activities
- 5-6:30 p.m. — Dinner
- 7 p.m. — Evening session (speakers or project work time)
- 9 p.m. — Recreational activities
- 11 p.m. — Participants must be on assigned floor
- 11:15 p.m. — Bed check
- 1 a.m. — Lights out
Thursday Schedule
- 7:15-8:45 a.m. — Breakfast
- 9-10:45 a.m. — Workshop class session
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Closing session/Awards ceremony
- Noon-1 p.m. — Check out