Background Information
What is the Undergraduate Symposium?
An undergraduate symposium is an opportunity for undergraduate students to showcase their work. The symposium will include a number of sessions where students will present their work to others, depending on the type of session you may; talk at a roundtable, stand and deliver a more ‘formal’ talk, present a multimedia presentation or have a poster displaying your work. Symposiums are a great place for students to engage with other students and faculty in a supportive, intellectual and comfortable environment.
Who is eligible to present?
Any undergraduate student is eligible to present.
Who attends the symposium?
Students (both graduate and undergraduate), advanced high school students interested in Sociology and faculty members.
How do I apply?
For those that are interested in presenting a project you can submit an abstract here before January 6, 2014. For those interested in attending watch for registration information on this website shortly! We ask that all attendees register and pay our entrance fees (to cover cost of lunch).
Presentations
What would I present?
You could present any number of projects; a research paper, a course paper, a group project, capstone project, thesis, multimedia project, poster project.
Which presentation type should I select?
This depends on the presentation you are most comfortable giving along with what type of presentation fits your project. Your academic advisor or faculty member should be able to help. You can present a paper at a “regular” session (panel of 4-5 students presenting on similar topics one person stands and talks about their project for 10-15), a roundtable session - similar to a panel but sitting at a roundtable, generally less “formal” and more ‘discussion’ based), posters will be on display and you will stand next to your poster and discuss the project with others (least formal, most interactive with audience).
When do I present?
The conference organizers will meet mid January to determine the schedule and have the time you are scheduled to you prior to March 1.
Can I present two projects?
Yes, you can present two projects. If you submit two abstracts we ask that you let us know (so we can attempt to accommodate your time commitments).
Can a group present one project?
Yes, we encourage group projects. We will need one author to take the lead on communications with the organizers.
What technology will be available for my presentations?
Please let us know your needs and we will do our best to accommodate you. If presenting as part of a panel, there will be a laptop, projector, and screen available for a PowerPoint presentation. This does not mean that a PowerPoint presentation is necessary just that the technology will be available.
Kent State University Libraries Preparation Guide
Abstract
What is an abstract?
An abstract is a short document that is intended to capture the interest of a potential reader of your project. Think of it is a marketing document for your project.
What are the requirements for the abstract?
Abstracts should be up to 300 words and give the reviewers a complete, concise description of your project.
Where can I get help preparing my abstract and other written materials?
There are a wide variety of resources available online, but do not forget about the resources available within your own department including the help of advisors and faculty members.
http://www.academic-conferences.org/abstract-guidelines.htm
http://www.ugresearch.umd.edu/writingconferencepaper.php
General Questions
Is there a timeline I should follow?
Abstracts must be submitted to the review committee before January 6, 2014. Please give the committee a few weeks to review and organize the sessions. Registration is due before February 7, 2014, onsite registration will be available.
How will I receive information and updates about the symposium?
We will email you but if you have any questions you can contact neouss@kent.edu.