Check back soon for updated information about the current year’s symposium!
Each year the Graduate Student Symposium is held in Spring quarter during Scholars Week. The symposium’s aim is to provide an opportunity for Western’s graduate students to share their scholarship and creative projects with their cohorts, the broader Western community, and the public. Graduate students from all departments are encouraged to present through a variety of mediums including, but not limited to, Oral presentations, Poster presentations, and Elevator Pitches. For arts and humanities disciplines, performances are also accepted.
Oral Presentations: Oral presenters will be allotted 10-minute time slots, with an additional 5 minutes for questions and transition.
Poster Presentations: Posters will be displayed throughout the day; however, a designated poster session will take place allowing attendees to view displays and interact with student presenters. Presenters may opt-in to have their poster judged for a prize competition – judges’ criteria will be made available in advance.
The Elevator Pitch: This presentation format challenges participants to present their research, scholarship and creative projects in just 180 seconds, and in an engaging format that can be understood by an intelligent audience with no background in the presenter’s field of interest. Presenters should be prepared to address the questions and motivations framing their academic interests with the goal of provoking conversations that matter. This exercise develops presentation skills and supports the development of the grad student’s capacity to explain their scholarship effectively and creatively. The Elevator Pitch is subject to the following rules and judging criteria:
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum. Competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be penalized.
- Communication; Comprehension; Engagement
Make your Pitch Perfect: The Elevator Pitch
Cash prizes will be awarded to top presenters in the Poster and Lightning Session categories.
This year’s symposium is sponsored by the Grad School, Western Libraries, Enrollment and Student Services and the Foundation.
Your registration to attend one or more of these sessions as a viewer is appreciated.
To register as a volunteer or presentation judge, please register with SignUp Genius.
**Student presenters must also submit their abstracts through CEDAR. The priority deadline to submit your proposal is April 16th and will be accepted according to presentation readiness. Presentation allotments are limited.