Information for Sponsors

Undergraduate Scholars Conference

Undergraduate Scholars Conference

The 黄瓜视频 Undergraduate Scholars Conference seeks to celebrate student work of exceptional merit that goes above and beyond classroom assignments. Students may choose a long-form presentation or an informal tabletop presentation.

The conference will mimic the design of a traditional academic conference and a reception during which tabletop presentations will be on view. The conference generally lasts three to four hours.

Your Role as a Sponsor

  • Sponsors are tasked with identifying and approving students that would be a good fit for the conference.
  • If the student applies, the 黄瓜视频 community member "sponsors" that student and guides them through the process.*
    *Students must have a sponsor to apply.
  • The sponsor should check in regularly with students on their progress, and be a reminder for upcoming dates and deadlines.
  • The sponsor should review the student's abstract and make sure that it meets the requirements of both the conference and the field of study. Abstracts should be no longer than 250 words.
  • The sponsor should review the student's presentation prior to the conference to ensure that it meets the academic standards set forth by both the conference and the field of study in which the student is working. Special focus should be paid to the length (15 minutes) and format of the presentation

Complete the Student Application

Important Dates: Students must submit an abstract by the Friday of the first week of spring semester to be considered. Acceptance to the conference will be sent out the following week.

  • What's in it for the student?

    Students will have the experience of taking part in an academic-style conference, which we believe will be a memorable experience for all who participate. They will be able to share the hard work they have done with the community and will be able to put this on a resume for transfer applications.

  • Our plea to you, the sponsor

    Without you, this whole thing falls apart! The conference is relying on you to determine if students have produced exemplary work and to encourage them to apply. You are the gatekeepers, and we will leave it to your best judgment to approve suitable applicants.

    Please help us to make this a continued success.

    Students must have a sponsor to apply. Your belief in the student's ability to perform at a high level is crucial. We have not opened this up to general applications because we are relying on you to find the students who would be a good fit.

  • Student abstracts and presentations

    Abstract

    To apply, students will write an abstract of their project, which should be no longer than 250 words. Guidelines and tips for writing this abstract can be found on the application website. Sponsor mentorship in crafting the abstract is appreciated and expected, though the responsibility should also fall on the student to do the majority of the work. Please point them toward the Writing Center for additional help.

    Presentations

    Students will have a choice between a long-form presentation and a poster presentation. Both choices have distinct advantages, and students should choose what best matches their strengths. Longform presentations should last 15 minutes with five minutes for questions and answers. Poster presentations should be properly formatted to the professional standards of the field.

Format of the Conference

  1. The afternoon will begin with opening remarks.
  2. The conference will then break into smaller concurrent sessions where students giving slide presentations will share their work in 15 minute slots (with time left for questions and answers).
  3. Following the slide presentations, students who have chosen the informal tabletop format will present their work in the Connector.
  4. Reception: The event includes a reception during the tabletop displays so that guests can nibble and sip as they work their way around the room to engage the student presenters during our "gallery walk".

Sponsor Testimonial

What did you enjoy about it? And what are the benefits for you, and the student?

Students have a chance to stretch themselves, and will afterward say things like 'I didn't think I could do that!' There are certainly more 'quantifiable' benefits too, for example this shows clearly, when they apply for transfer, that they are willing to go further than the required curriculum. For me as sponsor, it's one of the most joyous and fulfilling things I do in my job as a teacher.

Prof. Chris Laney, History