2026 GSC Research and Creative Achievement Symposium
SAVE THE DATE: March 5th, 2026
LOCATION: Union Ballroom
See below for information on last year’s symposium:
The 2025 GSC Research and Creative Achievement Symposium will take place on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, in the UM Student Union Ballroom. That evening there will be an awards dinner and keynote address by Marc Watkins entitled “Code to Creativity: AI in every discipline.”
This event highlights the achievements and research of graduate and professional students at the University of Mississippi. This event is open to the public to see the amazing work being done. We will have a magnitude of presentations from students representing diverse perspectives.
Date: March 31, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Awards Dinner and Keynote Address: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: UM Student Union Ballroom
Purpose: The symposium provides a platform for graduate students to showcase their research and creative achievements, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and intellectual exchange.
Questions? Contact Sandip Rai, GSC Director of Scholarships & Academics at srai1@go.olemiss.edu
Categories:
Poster – A visual representation of research supported by a brief oral explanation. (~3 min. for oral component) You’ll be allowed to pin/hang a poster for people to walk around and see.
Pitch – A concise, prepared talk that promotes an idea, goal, or business venture. (3 min.)
Podium – A short PowerPoint presentation-supported overview of your current research and future goals. (7 min.)
Creative – A creative way to share a story, concept, or idea with an audience. (7 min.) This could be a visual, audial, or short video, etc.
Tentative Schedule
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM Headshots in Student Union Ballroom, 3rd Floor
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM – Opening Address in Student Union Ballroom, 3rd Floor
9:30 AM – 10:20 AM – Podium Session A in Room 323
10:30 AM – 11:50 AM – Podium Session B in Room 323
9:30 AM – 11:50 AM – Creative Achievement Presentations in Student Union Ballroom, 3rd Floor
12:00-1:00 PM – Lunch and Panel in Student Union Ballroom, 3rd Floor
1:00 – 2:20 PM – Podium Session C in Room 323
1:00 – 2:20 PM Poster Session A in Student Union Ballroom, 3rd Floor
2:30 – 3:30 PM – Podium Session D in Room 323
2:30 – 4:00 PM – Poster Session B in Student Union Ballroom, 3rd Floor
3:00 – 3:30 PM – Pitch Presentations in Room 326
6:00 PM -7:00 PM– Keynote Address with Marc Watkins in Student Union Ballroom
7:00 – 8:00 PM – Dinner and Awards Presentation in The Student Union Ballroom
FAQs:
What is the Research and Creative Achievement Symposium?
The University of Mississippi honors the remarkable achievements of its students in research and creative endeavors across all academic fields. The conference is designed to involve both graduate students in UM’s research mission by fostering the generation and sharing of knowledge. Furthermore, the Symposium provides a platform for professional networking opportunities for all participants. As students present their ideas, discoveries, and artistic expressions to the broader UM and Oxford community, they acquire valuable insights into their research, build confidence, and become better equipped for the next phase of their academic and professional journeys.
Who participates in the Symposium?
The Symposium is open to all graduate and professional students from across disciplines at UM. We welcome individual or collaborative research, creative work, or ideas.
What kind of projects does the Symposium accept?
Students can present any work across various college disciplines. We welcome individual and group presentations in different formats, including poster, pitch, podium, or creative. Our abstract submission permits the registration of single or multiple authors/presenters under the guidance of one or more faculty members.
Can I present in-progress research?
YES! It is advantageous to showcase any ongoing research as it provides students with valuable feedback, enabling them to incorporate new ideas and enhance the quality of their research. Utilizing the poster or pitch format is an excellent method for sharing ongoing research. Students are urged to engage with their research advisor or mentor for assistance in crafting abstracts and developing posters.
When are abstracts open?
NOW!
When are abstracts due?
March 23rd, at 5:00 PM CST.
What awards are available?
Each of the four sessions offers first-third place awards. The awards will be scholarships, meaning that they will be distributed via your bursar account. If you do not have a balance on your bursar, you will receive reimbursement in 3-5 business days. The official amounts will be determined and advertised after the budget is confirmed. Awards are estimated to be anywhere from $700-$100.
When do I need to upload visual components for my creative achievement?
You will receive an email about where to upload slides, videos, or other materials after acceptance into the conference. Materials must be uploaded by March 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST.
What if my creative achievement piece is an art installation or has a physical component?
Contact Sandip Rai, srai1@go.olemiss.edu to set up an installation time. This time will most likely be from 7:00 – 8:30 AM before the event.
When do I need to upload my slides for the pitch and presentation?
You will receive an email about where to upload slides after acceptance into the conference. Slides must be uploaded by March 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST.
When do I have to turn in my poster?
If your poster is already printed, you must bring it with you and set it up prior to the poster session on March 31, 2025. If you are utilizing the free poster printing you must submit your poster to the UM Library IDEAlab by March 26, 2024, at 5:00 PM CST.
What size can I print my poster?
Posters printed through the IDEAlab CANNOT be larger than 36″x46″. If you are bringing a poster that has already been printed, any size is allowed that will fit on the poster board displays that are 46″x46″.
How do I make my poster the right size?
If using PowerPoint, click on the DESIGN tab, then SLIDE SIZE, then select CUSTOM SIZE. Make the size 36 wide and 46 long. Save your file and resize your poster elements.
How do I print through the IDEAlab?
– Go to the poster printing page for the IDEA lab HERE
– Open the page that says “click here to submit your file,” then fill out your information.
— Choose March 28th for “expected date of completion,” choose “Matte” for print format, and choose “credit card” for payment.
– In the description box, submit your name, “Paid for by GSC,” and the password that will be distributed to all GSC Symposium poster presenters by March 24th, 2024.
– Check to make sure you receive a confirmation email, if not, it is your responsibility to reach out to the IDEAlab idealab@lib.olemiss.edu to confirm your submission.
Do I pick up my poster from the IDEAlab?
No, GSC volunteers will pay for and pick up your poster and set it up at your assigned station prior to the poster session.
Want to learn more?
Check out last year’s Presentation Slides from our Informational Meetings (2/14 & 15).