Getting started
If you have an idea for a project or are already working on a project you'd like to present at the Guilford Undergraduate Symposium, 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 think about the following:
- Your areas of research interest
- How to narrow a topic to something manageable
- Names of potential mentors
- How to contact a potential mentor via email
- How to present academic research and choosing the best mode for your experience and your research
Different 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