What is the University Research Symposium (URS)?
The University of West Alabama (UWA) celebrates its students’ outstanding contributions to research and other creative work in many academic disciplines. The conference aims to engage students, graduates, and undergraduates in the research mission of UWA by supporting the creation and dissemination of knowledge. In addition, the URS hopes to inspire other students to pursue research opportunities and facilitate professional networking opportunities for all students. When students share their ideas, discoveries, and artistic expression with the local community and global audiences, they gain valuable insights into their research, gain confidence, and be better prepared for the next chapter of their lives.
The URS includes poster sessions and oral presentations in an in-person or virtual format to give students the flexibility to present. The URS started in 2012 and continued to make a difference in many students’ professional development.
Who participates in the URS?
The URS is open to all students, undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and other professionals from across the disciplines and the globe. We welcome individual or collaborative research, creative work, or scholarship that is part of a course, a thesis, a study abroad program, or independent study overseen by a faculty mentor. The URS is also a place for performing and fine arts students to share their work with a larger audience via in-person or virtual format on our YouTube channel.
What kind of projects do URS accept?
Students can present any work across various college disciplines. We welcome individual and group presentations in different formats, including poster presentations for undergraduates, poster or oral presentations for graduate students, and other creative works by any student. 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 should be beneficial to present any ongoing research. Students will get feedback on their work, which allows them to adopt new ideas and improve their research. A poster presentation is a great way to present ongoing research. We know of many students who presented their research after one semester. Student’s excitement about sharing their research was incredibly beneficial to their persistence in the study. Students are encouraged to speak with their research advisor or mentor; they will assist you in the abstract writing and poster development processes.
Can I present my research after my graduation?
Yes. Many students present their research after graduation.
Can I submit multiple research projects?
Yes. If you plan to do so, please let the organizer know so your talks will be presented at different sessions, if needed.
Can I participate in the in-person and virtual presentations with the same research project?
Yes, however, the virtual presentation builds students’ online presence on our YouTube channel. Students can participate in the poster or oral competitions only once.
What to do if I need help writing/formatting an abstract/presentation/poster?
There are many valuable guidelines, tips, and tricks on how to write an abstract, create a poster, or give an oral talk on this website. We also encourage students to seek help from their research advisor.
Is the URS competitive?
One of the primary goals of the URS is to be inclusive and to provide the opportunity to present to everyone regardless of their location, citizenship, color, race, etc. The symposium is inclusive and, as a whole, is not competitive. The event allows students to come together and share their research with others in a supportive and respectful environment and a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The URS offers judging sessions for students’ presentations to provide constructive feedback on students’ research and presentation skills. The URS provides multiple cash prizes for best poster and oral presentations to encourage students’ participation and support high-quality work. Students do not have to participate in the competition if they wish.
Who can attend the symposium?
The URS welcomes the participation of everyone at no cost. Students, non-presenters, family members, community members, etc., are encouraged to attend. The URS encourages all student presenters to invite friends, family, and mentors to come and view their presentations.
Will Presenters receive a certificate of presentation?
Presenters will receive certification via email 2-3 weeks after the conference.
Are there awards for the symposium presenters?
Yes, there are three cash awards for undergraduate and three for graduate student presenters. Please review the award descriptions and eligibility requirements under the awards tab on this website.
Can I volunteer at the symposium?
Yes. Student volunteers support the symposium in many event logistics, i.e., photographing, poster setup, etc. Faculty and other professionals can volunteer as judges or session moderators. If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at urs@uwa.edu.
Have other questions?
Please email urs@uwa.edu