Below are frequently asked questions about the Undergraduate Research Symposium/Showcase. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Research and Associate Dean of Shackouls Honors College, Dr. Anastasia Elder (ace24@msstate.edu).
Frequently Asked Questions
Undergraduate Research Symposium/Showcase Questions
Posters should be a maximum of 36 inches tall x 48 inches wide. Foam backing boards should also be no larger than 36 inches tall x 48 inches wide.
It is your responsibility to check with your research mentor as to whether or not your research project is restricted (i.e. classified, export controlled (EAR/ITAR), proprietary or other restriction). If your mentor identifies your research as restricted, the release of any information to the public must be coordinated with the Office of Research Security to obtain required authorizations before release. Severe penalties, both civil and criminal, may result if restricted information is made public without the proper authorizations.
There is no fee for students to participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium, and currently, there is not an acceptance process once an entry form is submitted. All students who complete the registration form with a named faculty mentor are allowed to present, although all student abstracts should be vetted by a faculty research mentor before being submitted.
Once the abstract and title of your project has been submitted, you cannot make changes to it. We understand that research is ongoing, but once the program booklet has gone to print, we are unable to make any updates.
Many undergraduates participate in faculty-guided research and creative activity throughout the year. MSU is fortunate to have many faculty that involve undergraduates in research and federally funded research programs. All undergraduates in every program of study, not just honors students, involved in research and creative works are invited and encouraged to participate in the URS.
Absolutely not. Any student involved in faculty-guided research this academic year may participate.
All undergraduates in every program of study, not just Honors students, who are involved in faculty-guided research this academic year are invited and encouraged to participate in the URS either through a poster presentation or oral presentation/performance.
Of course. Group projects are an integral part of research and are encouraged. However, as is usually the case at professional conferences, there will be a designated principal presenter. Co-authors and collaborators will be listed in the abstract booklet if included in the submission form. Prizes are awarded to the principal presenter only. Groups are encouraged to submit individual abstracts and present different posters or give separate oral presentations for the same research. A large part of the project evaluation is being able to answer questions showing a deep understanding of the work that has been done.
Students are encouraged to present their faculty-guided research in any subject matter that inspires them and that they are academically engaged in.
Students are encouraged to present creative works and performances. Creative works are considered art, sculptures, music, poems, theater pieces, etc. The student should be prepared to engage in critical discussion of the project.
Yes. You can fill out an entry form if you are a MSU undergraduate student, regardless of where you actually performed your research. Undergraduate students from other universities are also encouraged to participate and are not required to have worked with an MSU faculty mentor.
Yes. You do not have to present completed research. Many students present research that is ongoing.
Yes! Volunteers are critical to the success of the URS. If you would like to volunteer email kwright@honors.msstate.edu. You can also add your name to volunteer through the Maroon Volunteer Center.
