Key Dates:
Last day to register for Scholar’s Day: October 21
Last day to submit abstract: October 24
Last day to submit poster for free printing: November 7
Be available for your poster or project presentation: November 18
What To Include On Your Poster
Purpose: Your Scholar’s Day presentation should tell the story of your work — what you did, why it matters, and what you learned. Every poster or display should help your audience understand your project quickly and clearly.
For All Presenters: Every project should include:
Title and Name(s) — Include your project title, your name(s), major(s), and faculty mentor.
Short Summary (150–200 words) — Describe what you did, why it matters, and what you discovered.
Visuals — Use photos, graphics, charts, or examples to make your project easy to follow.
Reflection — End with what you learned and why this project is meaningful to you.
Research or Scholarly Projects
(Examples: psychology, history, education, sociology, business, biology, etc.)
Your poster may include:
Title and Research Question – What question or topic did you explore?
Background – Brief context or reason for choosing this topic.
Method or Process – How did you collect your information? (sources, experiments, surveys, analysis, etc.)
Findings or Key Points – What did you discover or conclude?
Significance – Why is this topic important? What can others learn from it?
Reflection – What surprised or inspired you during your research?
Tip: Use clear headings, bullet points, and visuals (graphs, photos, short quotes, or charts).
Creative Projects
(Examples: art, music, creative writing, photography, theater, digital media, film, etc.)
Your poster may include:
Title and Creator Information – Title of your piece, your name, major, and mentor.
Artist’s or Creator’s Statement (150–200 words) – What is your project about? What inspired it? What ideas or emotions do you want to convey?
The Creative Process – Show drafts, sketches, storyboards, or photos of your work in progress.
Techniques or Materials – What tools, media, or software did you use?
Themes or Concepts – 2–4 key ideas your work explores (e.g., identity, transformation, resilience, justice).
Reflection – What did you learn through creating this work? What do you hope the audience takes away?
Optional additions: QR code linking to your video or portfolio, a small portrait of you working, or a short quote that inspired your piece.
Technical Projects
(Examples: websites, software, engineering builds, robotics, apps, computer systems, 3D design, etc.)
Your poster may include:
Project Overview (150–200 words) – What did you design or build? What problem or need does it address?
Goal or Purpose – Who is your project for, and what does it aim to accomplish?
Design Process – Include diagrams, flowcharts, or photos showing stages of development (planning → building → testing → revising).
Tools and Technology Used – List programming languages, equipment, or materials.
Results or Demonstration – Show what your project does or how it performs. Include screenshots, data, or photos of the final product.
Reflection and Future Directions – What did you learn? What improvements or next steps could you take?
Optional additions: QR code to your live site, GitHub repo, or demo video; photos of your prototype; bullet list of features.
Display Tips for Everyone
*Keep text brief and easy to read — use bullets and short sentences.
*Use visuals to tell your story (images, charts, diagrams, or progress photos).
*Check spelling and clarity — your audience should understand your project at a glance.
*Use color and layout to draw attention, but keep it professional.
*Practice explaining your work in 1–2 minutes — Your voice and enthusiasm are the best part!
You can design your poster using many programs—PowerPoint, Canva, Photoshop, etc. These directions focus on PowerPoint.
To change your PowerPoint slide size to 42” x 36”:
If you get frustrated or stuck—STOP and contact your mentor.
Don’t spend hours trying to fix something on your own. We’re here to help!
Browse examples for inspiration and layout ideas:
