2026 UNITED KCP 4S Student Conference
Friday, March 27, 2026
Students must register: Registration
9:30 AM to 10:00 AM | Outside of The Founders Room
Registration check-in and lite breakfast fare
9:45 AM to 10:00 AM | The Founders Room
Welcome - Dr. Shawnrece Butler
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM | The Founders Room
“You Belong Here: Owning Your Seat at the Table” presented by Bianca Mercado-Velez
Ever walked into a classroom, meeting, or internship and wondered if you really belonged? Many students experience moments of self-doubt—regardless of GPA, background, or major. This interactive session explores why those feelings show up and how to move forward with steady, authentic confidence. Through practical strategies and real-life scenarios, you’ll learn how to strengthen your voice, navigate academic and professional spaces with assurance, and step into opportunities without shrinking. Leave with tools to show up prepared, grounded, and confident—because you belong here.
11:00 AM to 11:45 AM | The Founders Room
“Its who you know, not what you know,” presented by Amy Berglund
You’ve probably heard the phrase “it’s who you know.” But what does that actually mean for college students? This session breaks down how networking really works—how to build genuine connections with professors, mentors, alumni, and employers, even if you’re shy or new to it. Learn simple strategies that can open doors to internships, opportunities, and careers.
11:45 AM to 1:00 PM | The Founders Room
Lunch
12:00 PM to 12:30 PM | The Founders Room
“Burnout-proof your semester” (systems, not willpower) presented by Lynne Vedin and Becca Redmond
College can feel nonstop—but exhaustion doesn’t have to be inevitable. In this interactive 30-minute session, you’ll learn how to recognize early signs of burnout and build simple habits that protect your energy all semester long. Through reflection and practical planning tools, you’ll identify stress triggers, reset your workload strategy, and create a sustainable rhythm that supports both performance and wellbeing.
12:30 PM to 1:00 PM | The Founders Room
“First Paycheck to First Apartment: Budgeting, Credit, Debt, and Taxes” presented by Carol Johnson
That first job offer is exciting—but what does the salary really mean for your everyday life? In this interactive 30-minute session, we break down take-home pay, taxes, budgeting, credit, and student debt so you can make informed decisions about housing and lifestyle. Leave with a clearer picture of what you can afford—and a practical plan for building financial stability from day one.
1:00 PM to 1:50 PM| Peninsula III
“Evergreen at NMU: Learning That Grows With Your Career” presented by Stephanie Zadrogra-Langlois, David Nyberg, Steve VandenAvond, Brad Hamel
Careers rarely follow a straight line, and learning doesn’t stop at graduation. What if NMU remained part of your learning journey long after you leave campus? The NMU Evergreen initiative is exploring new ways to support lifelong learning, career growth, and skill-building for Wildcats at every stage of life. Join this interactive conversation to share your ideas and learn how NMU is designing future opportunities that connect education, careers, and personal growth. Your voice will help shape how NMU supports lifelong learning for current and future Wildcats.
1:00 PM to 1:50 PM | Peninsula IV
“Salary negotiation and Total Compensation 101" presented by Carol Johnson
Your first offer isn’t the final offer—if you know how to respond. Learn what employers actually expect during salary conversations, how to evaluate the full value of an offer, and how to negotiate with confidence. If the idea of talking about money makes you nervous, this session is for you.
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM | The Founders Room
“AI in Your Job Search: Resume Tailoring, Cover Letters, Interview Prep, Disclosure/Ethics” presented by Grant Langdon
Curious how AI can strengthen your resume and interview prep—without crossing ethical lines? This interactive session explores how to responsibly use AI to tailor resumes, refine cover letters, research employers, and practice interview responses. We’ll also discuss when AI helps, when it hurts, and what employers expect regarding disclosure and authenticity. Participants will leave with practical prompts, verification strategies, and clear guidelines to use AI as a career advantage—not a shortcut.
1:30 PM to 2:00 PM | The Founders Room
“AI Literacy for Any Major” presented by Dr. Matt Kilgas
No matter your field—healthcare, business, humanities, STEM, education, or the arts—AI is shaping how work gets done. This foundational session builds your AI confidence by teaching effective prompting, fact-checking and verification techniques, bias awareness, and privacy protection. You’ll learn how to think critically about AI outputs and how to use these tools to support (not replace) your own thinking. Walk away with practical strategies you can apply in coursework, research, and internships.
2:00 PM to 2:15 PM
BIO Break
2:15 PM to 2:45 PM | The Founders Room
“Boundaries and Time Management” Presented by Dr. Angie Stebbins
In this interactive 30-minute session, you’ll explore how to set clear boundaries, navigate competing responsibilities and priorities, and design a schedule that aligns with your values as well as obligations.
You’ll walk away with practical tools to protect your focus, reduce stress, and stay on track without burning out. Most importantly, you’ll gain insight into your limits, values, patterns, and learn how to protect yourself from guilt and shame when you can’t do everything you think you should.
Success isn’t about doing it all. It’s about choosing what matters most and honoring that choice.
2:45 PM to 2:55 PM | The Founders Room
Closing Remarks - Dr. Shawnrece Butler
