The Undergraduate Symposium is...

A one-day program to recognize and celebrate the exceptional academic work of EMU undergraduate students.

A collection of research or creative projects that may be:

• An outstanding research paper, independent study, lab research project, performance or honors thesis.
• Work may be by single or multiple authors (no more than four authors per presentation).
• Open to undergraduate students from all colleges and disciplines of the University who have been nominated by a faculty sponsor and recommended by the respective department/school.

Hosted by the College of Arts & Sciences, the Symposium typically involves over 350 student presenters supported by more than 150 faculty sponsors.

An opportunity for participating students to share the results of their research and creative academic activities in a conference-like format through an oral presentation, poster display or exhibit format.

• Oral presentations, whether single or multiple authors, are allotted 15 minutes during one of three morning sessions: a brief introduction of the student(s) by the faculty sponsor, a ten-minute presentation of the academic work, and a short question-and-answer period.
• Poster presentations are displayed during one of two morning sessions. Each session is one hour and 45 minutes in length.
• The Design Expo demonstrates the outcomes of design-based projects — often interdisciplinary and collaborative in nature — in an exhibit format. The projects on exhibit are open to the public throughout the morning and until 3:30 p.m.

The nomination process:

• Begins with faculty members identifying students who have achieved exceptional levels of work and notifying the department/school of their intent to nominate.
• Involves the completion of an online nomination, including a 75-word abstract, begun by the student and supported by the faculty sponsor.
• Continues with department/school support of completed nominations and abstracts and the forwarding of these to the event’s planning committee.