Nomination Process

The submission site is open each year to EMU undergraduate students, November 15-January 16.

Submit Now

The online submission process is completed by the student presenters and includes a single paragraph, 700 characters or less (including spaces) abstract for each presentation. Abstracts are written with support and review by the faculty mentor prior to submission.

Abstract Guidelines

As you prepare to submit your research for presentation, you must prepare an electronic file in a .doc or .docx format for upload.

Make this document mirror how you want it printed in the program. Include in your document:

• Presentation Title (formatted--see guidelines below)
• Student name(s) 
• Faculty mentor(s)
• Abstract (see guidelines below)
• Presentation category (oral, poster, or Design Expo exhibit)

Guidelines for Presentation Title

• Title Case Used and Special Characters Formatted
• < 100 characters including spaces
• Proper titles within title formatted in italics

Guidelines for Abstract

• Spell checked; concise and well-written
• < 700 characters including spaces
• Special characters formatted and proper titles in italics
• Written for a wide audience with minimal jargon

Research presented may be the outcome of an outstanding research paper/thesis, independent study, lab research project, performance, or design-based project.

Day of the event

• Each poster presentation is supplied a 6 foot display table, table top easel, and a 40" tall x 60" wide poster backing of white foamcore board.
• Use only pushpins or clips to attach posters to the boards. All other need materials are provided by the student.
• Each poster is scheduled to be on display during one of three sessions that are one hour and 30 minutes in length.
• Plan to stay with your poster and talk with interested viewers of your poster for the entire time.

Design tips

Make your poster a solid review of your research; include your abstract.

Posters should be readable from up to 5 feet away; make text large
(24 point font) and select an easy-to-read font.

Make your poster as visual as possible; let color; graphs, and photographs balance the text.   

Poster Printing at Halle Library

View printing information or call 734.487.2013

Presentation Tips

• Practice and time your presentation so it falls within a 10-minute timeframe. Each presentation, whether single or multiple authors, has a 15-minute slot; 10 minutes for the body of the presentation and 5 minutes for introductions and a short Q&A at the end.
• Have people unfamiliar with your content read or listen to your presentation to make sure it is understandable to people unfamiliar with your topic.
• If you are using notecards, use a brief speaking outline to remind you of main points. Number the cards to keep them in order. If you are using a manuscript, put it in a binder. Print the pages using a large font so it will be easier to read. Mark the points to emphasize.
• Know your first sentence and if you are getting nervous, find the friendliest face in the audience and focus on that person.

PowerPoint Use

Many students presenting in an oral format want to use PowerPoint to enhance their material. To assist, a computer and projector will be provided in each room. The computer will probably be a Dell with Microsoft Office 2016. PowerPoint files created on Mac and Windows computers are usually compatible. There will be a technology support person in the room to help.

Designing Your PowerPoint

• Use standard fonts.
• Make a copy of the Web pages (Save As) and include them directly in your PowerPoint show.
• Bring a copy of your PowerPoint file on a USB flash drive.
• Save your PowerPoint file as a PowerPoint Show (.pps or .ppsx).
• Plan ahead; test your PowerPoint.

You are welcome to bring your own laptop, tablet or other presentation device. Just remember, it takes additional time to change over to your own computer. Many laptops and other devices need an appropriate video adapter to connect to the projector’s VGA cable. You will need to bring the adapter that works with your laptop or tablet!

Contact Joe Brescol with questions, 734.487.2667, G01 Halle.

Rehearsal

Rooms are reserved in the Student Center on the Thursday before the event for a last-minute rehearsal and run through with equipment. Reservations are required and space is limited. Schedule by email to wkivi@emich.edu.

Rehearsal space is also available and can be scheduled for the Academic Projects Center located in 116 Halle Library. Visit the Academic Projects website.