Center for Undergraduate Research and Engaged Learning

How to Submit An Abstract

Students should consult with their faculty mentor(s) to determine the most appropriate presentation type and format to present their work prior to submission:

• Poster Presentations are in-person and concisely communicate research using graphics/images/figures with minimal text. A 5-7 minute explanation guides the audience through the research topic, methodology, preliminary/expected results, and conclusion/next steps.
• Emerging Research presentations are virtual and represent research projects that are not completed, but might be of significant interest to the research community. Both conceptually- and empirically-based papers on "work-in-progress" projects would fall into this category.
• Completed Research presentations are virtual and represent fully developed empirical research. This is open to papers based on completed research studies. Students clearly present their research question, outline the research methodology and assessment, and present clear outcomes.
• Creative Activities and performances can be either an in-person poster or an online oral presentation and represent the final product of scholarly creative activity. These projects include, but are not limited to, submissions from Dance, Art, Music, Creative Writing, Media and Cultural Studies, and Theatre, Film, and Digital Production. Students discuss the research/inspiration behind the final product. Performing and visual arts projects may be presented in the traditional oral or poster format, or as exhibits, displays, performances, readings, and viewings.

Next, please watch this video (24:28) about abstract expectations. Students are expected to consult with their faculty mentor(s) to develop their abstract, which must meet the following format requirements: 

• Abstract is no more than 250 words
• Microsoft Word document (.DOC or .DOCX) 
• Document size cannot exceed 3 MB 
• 12-point font size 
• Times New Roman font face 
• Single space (no double-spacing)
• 1-inch margins on all sides

Please use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Your submission will be published, and must include the following information at the top-left of your document:

• Lead Presenter: Name (First Last) and Major (lead presenter submits the abstract)
• Faculty Mentor: Name (first, last), Department
• Secondary Presenters or Contributing Members: Name(s) (First Last). In order of contribution credit. 
• Project Title (case-sensitive)
• 250-word abstract

Here is a sample abstract for your reference. Abstracts not following the required formatting guidelines will NOT be considered.