Presenting at GUS

The Guilford Undergraduate Symposium (GUS) is an excellent opportunity for students to present their work to a diverse group of students, staff, faculty, and members of the community. We encourage all students in every discipline to consider presenting their project at GUS. Doing so will give you a valuable opportunity to hone presentation skills, research skills, and information literacy skills.

Getting started

If you have an idea for a project or are already working on a project you'd like to present at GUS, you've already made a great start. If you'd like to present but are having trouble deciding on a topic, contact your academic advisor and/or your major department chair (or your favorite instructor) to discuss possible topics. You can also feel free to contact us and we will talk through the research process with you.

In discussions with your advisors, you should address your areas of research interest, how to narrow your topic to something manageable, the names of potential mentors (if different from your advisor), and the appropriate mode for presenting your research.

We've put together a timeline and a FAQ for presenters. Don't hesitate to check out previous editions of GUS for inspiration.

Types of presentations

• Poster presentation: Presenters will design and print a 40" x 32" poster detailing their project or research. All presenters should be prepared to stand near their poster to engage with and answer questions from audience members. It is recommended that presenters have 2-3 minutes worth of talking points prepared. Relevant topics will be grouped together in the poster hall for GUS. For help designing your poster, please consult our guide.
• Oral presentation: Presenters will create and deliver a 10-12 minute oral presentation and participate in a Q&A session afterward. Oral presentations may be accompanied by a visual slide show (Google Slides or Microsoft PowerPoint), a visual handout for the audience (1 page, front and back maximum), a live demonstrations, and/or audience participation. Oral presentations will be grouped by topic with no more than 4 presenters in a given session.
• Performance arts presentation: Presenters will create and deliver a 10-12 minute presentation. The presentation must include a performance-based component that was created as part of the research process, such as music, theatre, or dance. Presenters will be groups into themed sessions with a maximum of 3 other presenters. If you intend to perform a larger work (e.g., an entire play), please note that on your application so that we may adjust the schedule accordingly.
• Visual arts and design presentation: Presenters will showcase art forms developed as part of their reserach process. This could include paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, architectural models, digital art, experimental media, jewelry, textiles, photography/film, mixed media, and more. Presentations in this category may require special accommodations so please note them on your application.

Research ethics

All researchers have an obligation to conduct research ethically. To that end, there are four common values associated with the responsible conduct of research (Steneck, 2007, p. 3):

• Honesty: Conveying information truthfully and honoring commitments
• Accuracy: Reporting findings precisely and taking care to avoid errors
• Efficiency: Using resources wisely and avoiding waste
• Objectivity: letting the facts speak for themselves and avoiding improper bias

If your research involves human beings or animals, you will need to get clearance from the Institutional Review Board at irb [at] guilford.edu.

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  Myth: Applying is highly competitive

  The reality is that most student applications are accepted to at GUS. We know that many research conferences are exclusionary so we have deliberately made every effort to ensure that GUS is as inclusive as possible. The application review process serves as a chance for the Steering Committee to provide feedback so that you are prepared for your presentation..

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  Myth: Only third- and fourth-years can present

  The reality is that all students - from first year through fourth year - may present at GUS. We also strive to include students from the Early College and the Continuing Education programs. The more the merrier!

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  Myth: I have to be a STEM major to present

  The reality is that we have had students from all majors present research. We have hosted poetry readings, one-act plays, musical performances, film exhibitions, and many others. We have had poster presentations by history majors and psychology majors and criminal justice majors and English majors. We encourage creativity in your presentation where possible.

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  Myth: My project must be complete to present

  The reality is that students at all stages of their research process have presented. Feel free to use GUS as a forum for feedback on your thesis or research methods or both. GUS is meant to be a supportive place to discuss projects of all shapes and sizes so take advantage of that.