Undergraduate Research Resources
University Resources:
Undergraduate Research Conference Resources:
Submission Guidelines:
- To submit a proposal to participate in the Undergraduate Research Conference, follow the submission guidelines outlined in the Conference Participation page.
- For a step-by-step instructions for submitting to AthenaCommons, click here.
- For examples of previously submitted proposals, click here.
- For full details on submitting and recording a presentation, click here.
Virtual Presentation Guidelines:
The 2021 URC will be 100% virtual, but the evaluation guidelines will largely remain the same! So to be your best self, follow some of these guidelines when presenting virtually:
- Consider your content:
- Practice your presentation in front of someone, and ask for feedback.
- Alternatively, record a practice session
- Make notes, but try not to read from them or from the presentation. Engage with your "audience" as much as you can.
- Consider your setup:
- Make sure you have a good microphone and camera, and test your sound/video quality
- Have your light source in front of you and your camera. An indirect lamp or an open window are good sources that won't hinder your sight.
- Have a background that doesn't distract from you, and present in a quiet or still space.
- Consider other examples:
- Watch a recording of the OUR Student Interest Meeting on preparing a submission for the 2021 URC here (~15 mins): https://youtu.be/bc9djnKOR2Q
- Video resource: "5 Tips for video and virtual meetings": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztexFu94Z-s
- Examples of recorded poster talks from University of Florida undergraduates: https://cur.aa.ufl.edu/2020-spring-virtual-symposium/2020-symposium-by-presenter-name/
Evaluation Guidelines:
Consider the following criteria when designing your project or applying to participate. Below are two sets of guidelines:
- Guidelines for all submissions
- Additional guidelines for particular submissions.
If you have questions about which rubric your project applies to, or how to go from “good” to “excellent” qualities, talk to your advisor, research mentor, or contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Every submission will be evaluated based on:
| Quality of Research | Oral Presentation |
| Scholarly significance within student’s field is readily apparent | Oral presentation is engaging and concise |
| Robust research process presented clearly | Student is approachable and professional |
| Rigorous methodology, when applicable | Offers strong answers to questions |
| Analysis of data/texts is compelling | The presentation skills of the speaker clarified the topic significantly |
| Results/conclusions are sound | Speaker is fully prepared |
| Incorporates the ideas of other scholars | |
| Makes an original contribution to the chosen field or the wider public |
Submissions that meet the following criteria will be evaluated by Quality of Research, Oral Presentation, and one of the following:
| For Posters | For reading creative works |
| Eye-catching | Authoritative poise |
| Conveys information effectively | Masters the recitation |
| Appropriate use of visual aids (e.g. pictures, charts, graphs) | Gestures and movements reflect the meaning of the reading |
| Easy to read from at least 2 feet away | Clearly articulated and paced |
| Title is clear | Communicated understanding and interpretation of the reading for the audience |
| All elements are clearly labeled | Clearly states connection between research and composition |
| Not too much text |
| For performances | For art exhibits |
| Evidence of appropriate technique (e.g. acting, musical, etc.) | Great attention to detail |
| Clear and nuanced interpretation that reflects meaning of composition | Meanings/themes clearly portrayed by visual representation |
| Vocalizations and/or body language reflect development of piece | Work is expertly framed, mounted, or displayed |
| Engaging; great stage presence | Unique or original concept |
| Able to seamlessly connect performance to research | Link between research and exhibit is clearly articulated |
If you are submitting a creative performance or reading, part of your presentation should include an "artist's statement" that connects your original work to the research you did. In other words, set aside some of your presentation time to explain how scholars set the stage for your composition, what influenced your artistic choices, and how their work gives additional meaning to your own.