2026 Conference Registration will be open in January!! Stay tuned!!
Presentations
The categories for presentations are:
Research Projects
Class Assignments/Projects
Community Engagement Projects
To present a paper, click the "Submission Portal" link and submit the following information:
Cover Page: Include the author’s name, email, institutional affiliation, and undergraduate status (year of study), as well as the name and email of the student’s faculty advisor/sponsor.
Please indicate the proper category for your paper (Research project, Class assignment/project, or community engagement project).
Abstract: An abstract of no more than 150 words must precede the body of the paper.
Synopsis: An approximately three-page, double-spaced description of the project which includes any research questions an major findings.
Poster Presentation
Posters are visual presentations of research or a project that illustrates a research question, methodology, and outcomes. Posters will be displayed throughout the conference. During a designated time slot, presenters will discuss their research or project with other conference attendees. The standard size of posters is 3ft tall x 4ft wide. Posters should be readable from a distance of 2-3 feet and should include graphics and text describing your project.
To present a poster, click the "Submission Portal" link and submit the following information:
Cover Page: Include the author’s name, email, institutional affiliation, and undergraduate status (year of study), as well as the name and email of the student’s faculty advisor/sponsor.
Abstract: An abstract of no more than 150 words describing the research or project.
Synopsis: An approximately three-page, double-spaced description of the project which includes any research questions and major findings.
Roundtable Discussions
Roundtable discussions are organized conversations about a topic. Scholars will have the opportunity to share their experiences, research, and projects in a less formal and smaller session. Both ongoing and complete projects are appropriate for roundtable discussions. The roundtable format provides a low stress opportunity to engage and share with others.
The categories for student roundtable discussions are:
Applied and Public Sociology
Student Engagement
Scholars will make 3-5 minute presentations at the table, and a moderator will facilitate dialogue amongst the group. Presenters should come prepared with pictures, hand-outs, or other items needed to illustrate their activities.
Applied and Public Sociology
Applied and public sociology includes community-based projects such as fieldwork, activism, practicums, partnerships, internships, service learning activities, and volunteer experiences. Any experience that takes the student out of the classroom and into the community would be appropriate for this category.
Student Engagement
This category is for projects that seem not to fit in other places. Individual and group projects that require the application of sociological concepts but are extra or co-curricular in nature could include such things as starting or leading a student club, organizing a rally, producing a podcast, creating a photo essay, etc.
To make a presentation in a roundtable discussion, click the "Submission Portal" link and submit the following information:
Cover Page: Include the author’s name, email, institutional affiliation, and undergraduate status (year of study), as well as the name and email of the student’s faculty advisor/sponsor
Please indicate the proper category of your project (Applied/Public Sociology or Student Engagement)
Description: A brief (150 word or less) description of the project
Synopsis: An approximately two-page, double-spaced summary of the project, which includes a rationale for the project, timeline of events, activities completed, lessons learned, and other relevant information.
2026 Awards Judging Criteria:
1. Creativity. The paper addresses a unique or understudied sociological topic, or approaches an existing topic in a novel way.
2. Structure. Main elements are present: abstract, introduction, background, analysis/methods/results, discussion, and references.
3. Introduction/Background. The research question is clearly stated. The paper discusses and synthesizes previous research relevant to the research question.
4. Theoretical Rigor. The selection of theory and concepts used to guide the research question is appropriate and accurately explained.
5. Methodological Rigor. The method of analysis is appropriate and the execution of research methods sound. (1st/2nd year students: methods may be limited to a critical analysis of the literature and/or approach to a particular research topic).
6. Analysis and Results. The interpretation of the analysis and findings are accurate.
7. Discussion and Conclusions. The discussion highlights the study’s main findings; findings are discussed relative to the existing literature and within the theoretical context; the limitations of the study are noted; the findings are extended to other contexts; next steps are noted.
8. Overall Quality. The paper is well-written, well-organized, and free of grammatical and other errors.
Poster Presentations: The above content is abridged, highlighting main points. Language is clear and concise; Poster has attractive appearance. Presenter is knowledgeable and professional when explaining the project. Judging takes place the day of the conference. For poster examples: https://www.posterpresentations.com/free-poster-templates.html