Purdue University Fort Wayne Student Symposium FAQ
Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) and Indiana University Fort Wayne (IUFW) undergraduate and graduate students are invited to present their findings in the field of research/scholarship/creative endeavors under the guidance of a PFW or IUFW faculty mentor in the form of a poster presentation to the Purdue Fort Wayne and Indiana University Fort Wayne community.
About the Symposium
What is the difference between research, scholarship, and creative endeavors?
Research includes the systematic investigation where researchers exchange knowledge and foster intellectual scientific growth. This form of empirical research is conducted in multiple disciplines including, but not limited to Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Technology, Computer Science, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Depending on the timing of their research studies, students will present their final or preliminary findings at the Symposium.
Scholarship is similar to empirical research with an innovative method of discovery and learning for researchers. However, scholars will include a high level of disciplinary expertise and engagement by impacting stakeholders in their community, region, and beyond. Scholarship may be in the form of literary analyses or other methodologies, where scholars present their research to a broader audience. Depending on the timing of their study, students will present their final or preliminary findings at the Symposium.
Creative endeavors celebrate artistic forms of creative expression. This type of presentation offers an opportunity for students to exhibit their creative projects, performances, or presentations to a broader audience. Creative endeavors include, but not limited to Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Creative Writing, Film and Media Studies, Photography, Artwork, Performing Arts, and Music Studies. Their expertise may include art galleries, live performances, readings, film screenings, interactive installations, and more. The Symposium allows artists and creators to showcase their talents, receive feedback, foster collaboration, and inspire others through their artistic creations. Depending on the timing of their study, students will present their final or preliminary findings at the Symposium.
Student Presenters
1. Why should I participate in the Symposium?
The Symposium is a great opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their work. Not only does it expand their oral and presentation skills, but they also collaborate with a faculty member who has many years of expertise providing a valuable academic experience for students to enhance their critical thinking skills needed when applying to a higher level academic program or preparing for the workforce.
2. Who is eligible to present at the Symposium?
PFW and IUFW undergraduate and graduate students.
3. Am I required to have a faculty mentor to participate in the Symposium?
Yes, students must have a faculty mentor throughout the research process and to approve the student’s final abstract for the conference proceedings.
4. Where does the Symposium take place?
The Symposium is held on the 2nd floor Skybridge between Helmke Library and Walb Student Union.
5. Is the Symposium open to artists?
Absolutely! We welcome all visual and performing artists to showcase their work, from sculptures, paintings, music, acting to photography.
6. Can I present ongoing (preliminary) research?
Yes, as long as the student’s faculty mentor approves their study. Presenting ongoing (preliminary) findings in the Symposium is an excellent platform to get feedback for improvements, suggestions, and ideas.
7. I was accepted to present my research at a state/regional/national/international conference. Can I present this same poster presentation at the university’s Symposium?
Of course! In fact, many disciplines use the Symposium to “practice” before their professional presentations.
8. I’m involved in more than one research study. Can I submit applications for more than one research project?
Yes, as long as the student is working with a faculty mentor at PFW or IUFW.
9. Can I present if I graduated this past year?
Of course, as long as the student is working with a faculty mentor at PFW or IUFW who can approve their final abstract for the conference proceedings. We understand that some students might not complete their research study until the end of their senior year, after the March Symposium takes place. Every year we have graduates who return to present their research findings at the next year’s Symposium.
10. Accessibility
Purdue Fort Wayne is committed to equal access and providing an environment in which individuals with disabilities can fully access programs, services, activities, and facilities at PFW. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for specific accommodations, [email protected].
Student Registration Process & Requirements
1. How do I register for the Symposium?
Visit our website to register.
2. How long should my abstract be?
Abstracts should be no more than 500 words. Students should follow their discipline’s guidelines for abstract format.
3. Can someone show me how to write an abstract?
Yes, the Writing Center is available to assist students with their abstract.
4. Who reviews the abstracts?
All abstracts are reviewed by the Symposium Abstract Committee to provide recommendations and feedback to students before abstracts are published in the proceedings.
5. How do I print my poster?
We will print posters for the students. University Research and Innovation in the Office of Academic Affairs pays for your poster. Before the deadline students will email their final poster PDF file to [email protected]. See the student checklist for the deadline on our website – under resources.
6. What is the poster size?
Poster recommendations:
• Size: 40 inches x 24 inches
• Border: ½ inch around the poster
• Layout: horizontal or vertical
• Abstract on the poster is optional
• Students who are presenting at both their professional conference and the Symposium may use their same poster, according to their professional association’s poster guidelines
7. What templates can we use to create/design the poster?
We have partnered with Studio M to assist students in creating/designing their posters. Students can choose one of the following poster templates:
· Illustrator
· InDesign
· PowerPoint
8. What time will I present?
We understand that some students might have class on the day of the Symposium. All student presentations will take place on the Skybridge between Helmke Library and Walb Student Union. Based on the student’s availability, they will be given an assigned time and poster number prior to the date of the event.
9. How long is my presentation time?
Students have 5-7 minutes to discuss their findings.
10. My research requires me to setup a visual aid, artwork, equipment, laptop, and/or instruments for my presentation. Can I request a table?
Yes, students just need to email [email protected] and we will place a small table at the student’s assigned location by their poster easel. The morning of the Symposium the students will check in at the student registration table and then attach their poster to the easel’s foam board with binder clips.
Tips and Recommendations
1. What should I wear to the Symposium?
We recommend business casual attire.
2. Who can I invite to the Symposium?
Student presenters can extend a personal invitation to their friends, family, roommates, classmates, mentors, etc. This event is open to the public!
3. Can I still go if I am not presenting?
Absolutely! The annual Symposium is a great opportunity for students to learn, support, and talk with peers about their research. Students will be able to see what topics of research undergraduates and graduates are conducting from a variety of disciplines, and students can learn about the process as they plan for future Symposiums.
Faculty Mentors
1. How do I become a Faculty Mentor?
We understand that some undergraduate and graduate students may already be conducting a study with a faculty researcher as part of the faculty’s research team or students may ask a faculty to be their Symposium mentor to present on a project that they completed in the faculty’s course as an undergraduate student or graduate student.
2. Can a Faculty Mentor also judge the posters at the Symposium?
Absolutely. In fact, we ask that faculty mentors be one of the two judges for their student mentees. The faculty mentors are fully aware of the student’s project and can ask impactful questions during their presentation. This is common in multiple disciplines across campus. The faculty mentors the student’s senior capstone project and is also assigned as one of the two judges at the department or college/school’s symposium.
3. I received an email from your office asking to approve a student’s abstract. What does this mean?
Faculty mentors will be asked to approve their student’s final abstract. The email from our office contains a link to review their student’s abstract and sign for approval (or deny and provide the reason). Note if the faculty mentor requires the student to revise their abstract, this will not harm the student’s chances of participating in the Symposium. We highly recommend that faculty mentors provide an internal deadline for their students. This allows the faculty mentor time to review the abstract before the student submits their final abstract to our office for the final faculty mentor approval.