UW Undergraduate Research Symposium: A Comprehensive Guide
The Universities of Wisconsin Symposium for Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity is an annual event that provides an exciting opportunity to showcase undergraduate research. Taking place in La Crosse, WI on Friday, May 1, 2026, this symposium highlights the creativity, scholarship, and innovation at the core of the Universities of Wisconsin. It is designed to celebrate and inspire through the extraordinary work of UW undergraduate students and their faculty mentors. This guide provides essential information for those planning to present or attend the symposium.
Event Overview
The symposium underscores the diversity and breadth of expertise, as well as the transformative power of undergraduate research across the UW system. It serves as a platform for students to present their research, scholarly work, or creative projects to peers. Anyone is welcome to attend, whether presenting or not.
Key Details:
- Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
- Location: La Crosse, WI
- Who: Undergraduate students from any Universities of Wisconsin campus, faculty mentors, and anyone interested in undergraduate research.
Schedule
- Check-in: Begins at 8:15 AM
- Opening Remarks: 9:15 AM
- Presentations: 9:45 AM - 2:45 PM
Presenters and registered attendees can check-in beginning at 8:15am in the Union Bluffs Foyer, located on the second floor of the Student Union. Opening remarks will commence at 9:15am, followed by presentations from 9:45am to 2:45pm.
Location of Events
Posters and exhibits will be held in Cleary Center, while oral presentations and performances will take place in rooms on the 3rd floor of the Student Union.
Registration and Attendance
Registration is open to anyone interested in attending the event, whether they are presenting or not. Presenters are required to register. Attendees who plan to attend the opening/closing remarks and/or the lunch/keynote session must also register.
Read also: Comprehensive Symposium Guide
Registration Details
- Presenters: All presenters must register.
- Attendees (Opening/Closing Remarks, Lunch/Keynote): Required to register.
- Attendees (Poster/Exhibit, Oral Presentation/Performance Sessions Only): Registration is not required.
Lunch and refreshments will only be provided for those who register by the deadline. Name tags will be provided at check-in at the Union Bluffs Foyer.
Abstract Submission
Submitting an abstract is a crucial step for presenters. The online abstract submission form requires specific information, so it's important to have everything prepared in advance.
Required Information:
- Primary Undergraduate Student Presenter/Primary Author: Information about the individual submitting the abstract and planning to present.
- Co-Presenter(s)/Co-Author(s) (Optional): Names of any co-authors/co-presenters who contributed to the project.
- Non-Presenting Co-Author(s) (Optional): Names of co-authors who contributed but will not be presenting.
- Abstract Text ONLY: The main text of the abstract (250-300 words, not exceeding 300 words).
- Faculty/Research Mentor(s): Information about the professor or qualified individual familiar with the student's work.
Abstract Guidelines
- The abstract text should not include the title, authors, or references.
- Bold, italics, underline, superscript, and subscript are accepted.
- For creative or artistic projects, describe the process of inquiry and training in the medium being used.
- Situate the work by articulating how it builds on previous work, knowledge, or theories.
- Share the findings of the research project or describe the impact/significance of the creative work.
- Avoid "will be" statements and use active voice (e.g., "I conducted analyses" instead of "Analyses will be conducted").
All abstracts must be submitted by the posted deadline(s).
Presentation Formats
The symposium offers several presentation formats, including poster presentations, oral presentations, art or project displays, and brief film or performance videos. Each format has specific guidelines to follow.
Poster Presentations
Poster presentation sessions are 55 minutes long, and presenters are required to be at their poster during the scheduled time.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to PURS
Important Information:
- Poster Size: No larger than 48 inches in height and 48 inches in width.
- Content:
- Title of presentation
- Presenter's name, co-authors’ names, and faculty mentor’s name
- Name of university
- Abstract
- Introduction (Background information, research question/hypothesis/objective)
- Methods (Research process)
- Findings/Results
- Discussion (Interpretation of results, significance, additional questions)
- Conclusion/Summary
- Tips:
- Limit text and focus on key information.
- Use visuals/graphics to elaborate and explain points.
- Practice the presentation to develop confidence.
- Engage in conversation with attendees.
- Visit the poster repository for examples of student research posters.*Please note the Office of Undergraduate Research will provide foam board for mounting posters. Submit your printing request at least a week early in order to guarantee your poster is ready on the day of the Symposium.*Font size recommendations: 85-100 pt for title, 45-60 pt for author/institution, 36-45 pt for section headings, 24-36 pt for body text.*Use high contrast color and/or black and white combinations that can be distinguished by those who are colorblind.
Oral Presentations
Oral presentations are limited to 10 minutes, with 5 minutes for questions and answers. PowerPoint is the preferred format, but other visuals are allowed.
Important Information:
- Time Limit: 10 minutes presentation, 5 minutes Q&A.
- Format: PowerPoint preferred, but other visuals (video, demonstrations, speeches, project display) are acceptable.
- Computer: Presenters must use the PC computer provided in the room.
- Preparation: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to load the presentation onto the computer.
Presentation Structure:
- Title slide (Title, presenter's name, co-authors' names, mentor’s name, university)
- Introduction (Topic preview, research question/hypothesis/objective)
- Methods or Process (Research process)
- Findings/Results
- Discussion (Interpretation of results, significance, additional questions)
- Conclusion (Summary and closing statement)
- Acknowledgement (Funding agencies, financial support, non-coauthor contributors)
Tips:
- Limit text on slides and focus on key information.
- Use visuals/graphics.
- Limit the number of slides (10-15 slides for a 10-minute presentation).
- Use your own words to elaborate on the material.
- Limiting the amount of text on each slide will help with readability and comprehension, use bullet points and not full sentences when able.
- Use high contrast color and/or black and white combinations that can be distinguished by those who are colorblind.
- Practice, practice, practice with a timer and preferably an audience (just one person is fine) using your slides.
- When giving your presentation do not read directly off your slides unless where necessary.
- When speaking, look up and directly at the audience as much as you can.
- Speak clearly and avoid speaking too fast.
- Limit the number of slides you will be presenting so that you are able to spend ample time on each one.
The classroom computers run the newest version of Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint. Save a second copy of your presentation as a PDF file. PDF files are far less likely to encounter compatibility issues. You can always view your slides in full screen within Adobe Reader (View -> Full Screen Mode). Mac Users! If you created your PowerPoint on a Mac computer, make sure to test it on a PC before the day of the presentation. Check your pictures, video and audio that are embedded into your slide show. Please be sure that they are embedded in and not linked. Linking video/audio media to the PowerPoint does not copy them into the presentation and only links to the existing file on your computer. They will show up as black boxes or broken links on other computers. The easiest way to check if the file has been properly imported is to check the file size of your PowerPoint presentation after you save.
We recommend you use AT LEAST two of the following methods to save and make your presentation accessible for the day of the Symposium. Student Presenter Submission form Submit your presentation to our team to ensure your presentation is available easily on Symposium day! Save a copy of your presentation to a flashdrive.
Art or Project Displays
During Art or Project Displays, students will display their art, interactive projects, or demonstrations for the entire time that their session is scheduled. Similar to a poster presentation, students should share information about their project with attendees circulating the room. Art and Projects may be on display for longer than the scheduled session. Detailed Information regarding setup and scheduling for your display will be provided as we near the event. Please be sure to let symposium organizers know of any special accommodations that you may need for your presentation prior to the event.
Presentations for this session must be art forms created as part of the research process. These may include paintings, drawings, printing, sculpture, architectural models, digital arts, experimental media, jewelry, textiles, photography/film, mixed media, and more. All artwork will be on display. Office of Undergraduate Research Staff will review your artwork descriptions for content and space availability. Participants must be on-site for installation and are responsible for securing the artwork. The library cannot provide any method to secure equipment/artwork. Labels and “Do not touch” signs will be provided for artwork by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Research Commons staff.
Read also: Undergraduate Research on the Gulf Coast
Brief Film or Performance Video
Films and performances should generally be shorter than 15 minutes. If you plan to present a longer piece, consider sharing a clip/segment or shortened version of your work. Be sure to plan and practice how you will introduce and conclude your film/performance. Many students briefly share their project title, names of project members, and background. Please let symposium organizers know of any specific accommodations or specific needs for your presentation prior to the event. Detailed information regarding the scheduled session will be provided as we near the event.
Students will deliver a 10-minute presentation that typically includes a performance component in the Meany Hall Studio Theatre. The presentation may include a PowerPoint component discussing the research process that went into creating the performance. Performances can include music, theater, dance, etc. Those delivering PowerPoint presentations should download their slides onto the provided laptop. You may not use your own laptop. Performing arts presenters can specify needs during the confirmation stage of the application process (e.g. a dance or drama space, a multimedia player, and/or a piano). Presentations for this session must be art forms created as part of the research process.
Benefits of Participation
The symposium provides students with an opportunity to:
- Showcase their work
- Develop presentation skills
- Inspire new ideas
- Engage with students from other universities
- Network with professionals
- Gain feedback to refine their research
Additional Information
Who Can Present?
Undergraduate students from any Universities of Wisconsin campus are invited to present their research or creative project. The primary mentor must be a faculty member. Your primary mentor should be aware that you are applying to present your research at the Symposium, and they should support you in preparing your application materials (e.g., project title, abstract, etc.).
Project Status
Projects may be in progress. You do not need to have completed your research to be considered. Many students present research that is ongoing.
Multiple Authors
When a project has more than one author, the group should select one primary author for the symposium. The primary author will submit the abstract for the group using the abstract submission form. Projects may have multiple authors, but only one individual should be designated as the primary author to submit the abstract.
Presentation Limits
Due to space constraints and to allow more students access to presentation opportunities, students can only present one individual presentation. Students may participate in one additional group presentation as a co-presenter.
Attendance
Family and friends are welcome to attend the symposium. Event registration will be recommended to receive event updates but not required.
Abstract Assistance
Yes, all presenters have access to an abstract writing video, where you will learn the basics of abstract construction and see various examples. We also encourage you to take a look at the proceedings from previous years; they will give you a variety of examples of student-written abstracts.
Creative or Artistic Projects
If your research takes an artistic/creative form, you may submit an abstract that follows the “Creative or Artistic Project” guidelines. This should explain your work and provide background, context, subject matter, purpose, theories and/or meaning of the work. You may view examples from last year’s showcase and check out abstract guidelines to help guide your writing process.
Mary Gates Scholars
All Mary Gates Scholars who received Research Scholarships are required to participate in the Symposium at least once as part of their award responsibilities.
Accommodations
Yes, you can contact the Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at least 10 working days before the event to request accommodations. Please be sure to let symposium organizers know of any special accommodations that you may need for your presentation.
Mentor Nominations
In the Symposium application, presenters are given an opportunity to nominate their mentor for the award. Nominations are considered by a small review committee of faculty and staff. UW faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research staff are all eligible for nomination.
Technical Issues
The Symposium application is hosted on Fourwaves. If you are running into technical issues while navigating the application platform, please refer to the Fourwaves Help Center for support. The application form will not save before submitting. You can prepare by accessing a Microsoft Word document of the application to prepare your responses. You can access the Participant Dashboard to track your submission and event registration for presenting here.
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