ATU Scholars Symposium

Poster presentations

Showcase your research, creative projects, or scholarly work during an in-person poster presentation. Posters may present completed research, works in progress, proposals for future projects, or creative endeavors.

Poster Presentations take place during a scheduled in-person poster block. During this time, faculty, staff, and fellow students will circulate through the poster area to view displays and engage presenters in conversation. Presenters should prepare to give a 5–7 minute overview of their work and also have a 1–2 minute “elevator pitch” ready for attendees who may only have a brief moment to engage.

Posters will need to be 48 in wide by 36 in tall. The template for portrait -oriented poster can be found here and the template for landscape research posters can be found here.

Students can have their posters printed for free at ATU Campus Life. To ensure the best print quality, save your file as a PDF and submit it to campuslife@atu.edu; by March 30, 2026. For consistency, please do not alter the header, colors, or overall dimensions. Everything below the yellow line can be customized for your work — add or adjust text boxes, tables, figures, photos, or artwork as needed.

platform presentations

Present your research, creative projects, or scholarly work live and in person through a Platform Presentation (sometimes referred to as podium or oral presentations). This format is well suited for projects that benefit from a structured, speaker-led presentation, demonstration, performance, or reading, followed by audience discussion.

Platform Presentations take place in scheduled sessions and may include visual or media support such as slides, audio, or video. Presenters will share their work with faculty, staff, and fellow students and engage in questions and discussion at the conclusion of the presentation.

Students should prepare a presentation of no more than 20 minutes. Each session, including questions and discussion, will last approximately 30 minutes. To ensure the symposium remains on schedule, presentation times will be strictly observed.

Virtual presentations

Students who are participating remotely, are enrolled online, or prefer virtual options can showcase their research, creative projects, or scholarly work through a pre-recorded presentation of no more than 10 minutes. Only the final version of your presentation should be uploaded.

Virtual Presentations allow students to participate asynchronously while still reaching a broad audience. This format does not include a live presentation or real-time question-and-answer session.

For guidance on uploading your presentation, see the Online Research Commons and consult the Kaltura Guide for help with recording and submitting your video.

Stay on track to participate in the 2026 ATU Scholars Symposium by keeping these key dates in mind. Submit your symposium application online by March 6, 2026 to allow time for review and confirmation. Applications may be submitted anytime before the deadline.

Deadlines

January 12: Applications Open

March 6: Deadline for Submission

March 30: Deadline to Submit Posters for Printing and Upload Presentations to the Research Commons

April 9: ATU Scholars Symposium

awards

Students are eligible for awards by submitting their final poster, presentation, or oral recording to the Online Research Commons. This is a great way to gain recognition for your work and highlight your achievements.

Uploading your Presentation to the Online Research Commons

Judges

Faculty are invited to serve as judges for the 2026 ATU Scholars Symposium. Your expertise and feedback play a key role in recognizing outstanding student research, creative projects, and scholarly work, while supporting the professional growth of our students.

Deadline to sign up: March 6, 2026

Become a Judge!

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the ATU Scholars Symposium?

The ATU Scholars Symposium is open to undergraduate and graduate students, including online and distance learners, from all disciplines. Students at any stage of a project are encouraged to apply.

What types of projects are accepted?

Students may present research, creative projects, scholarly work, proposals, or works in progress. Projects should be related to your field of study or academic interests.

What presentation formats are available?

Students may choose from three presentation formats: Poster Presentations, Platform Presentations, and Virtual Presentations. Each format provides an opportunity to showcase scholarly or creative work in a professional setting to an audience of faculty, staff, and peers.

Which format should I choose?

Students are encouraged to select the presentation format that best fits their project and presentation goals.

• Poster Presentations are well suited for projects that benefit from visual display and informal conversation with attendees. They work well for exploratory research, works in progress, or projects that can be shared visually.

• Platform Presentations are ideal for projects that benefit from a structured, speaker-led presentation, demonstration, or reading, followed by audience discussion. This format works well for both scholarly and creative projects.

• Virtual Presentations allow students to share their work asynchronously through a pre-recorded format. This option is best for students who are participating remotely, enrolled online, or prefer a virtual format.

Students should consult with their faculty advisor when selecting the most appropriate presentation type.

Which Format Should I Choose?

Can I present with a group or co-authors?

Yes. Group and collaborative projects are welcome. One student should serve as the primary contact when submitting the application, and all presenters should be listed on the form.

Do I need a faculty mentor or advisor to apply?

Yes. You must include the name of your faculty advisor, research mentor, or course instructor on your application.

What questions are on the application?

The application asks for basic information about you and your project, including:

• Your contact information and major/department

• Project title and brief description or abstract

• Presentation format preference (poster, oral, or virtual)

• Names of co-presenters (if applicable)

• Faculty mentor or advisor (if applicable)

You can review a PDF preview of the application before applying to help you prepare your responses.

Additional TIPS & Resources

Contact us

For general questions about the event, contact symposium@atu.edu