University of Michigan - Flint

Prior to completing the student presenter form, students should consult with their faculty mentors and prepare an abstract of no more than 150 words describing the work to be presented. Abstracts that exceed this length will be rejected, as will presentations that have no faculty mentor. Where a group project is involved, only one presenter form needs to be completed; all names will be included on that single form. However, each student should also complete a general registration form.

Oral presentations should be no more than 15 minutes in length. Ideally, you should prepare a 10-minute presentation and to anticipate a 3-5 minute discussion period. It is recommended that you also prepare a written version of your presentation; equivalent to 7 -10 double spaced pages. Be prepared to present your research to your audience as opposed to merely reading it. It is also highly encouraged for you to include PowerPoint slides, video clips, or other visuals to support your presentation.

Poster presentations should be about to provide visual representation of your research. They should offer a “snapshot” of your research by using text, photographs, graphs, artwork, and any other visuals you may wish to include. Posters sizes should not exceed 3 feet x 7 feet (landscape) or 8 feet x 4 feet (portrait). You will need to stand close enough to your poster to discuss it others as they pass by. Text should be large enough to view from up to five feet away (l8-point type or larger is recommended). Presenters should also be prepared to distribute hard copies of the research, summaries, or additional information to interested people. Though the student and faculty sponsor are responsible for designing the poster and providing the materials for it, the Office of Research can offer printing support if needed.

Interested students can also conduct performances and demonstrations that include art, music, and/or drama. Wherever possible, performances will be scheduled with other performances and/or oral presentations with the same themes (e.g., Victorian arts, gender issues, philosophy of religion). The performance should last 10 - 12 minutes and not longer than 15 minutes. A brief introduction should be included with the presentation (in which performers set the framework) and a brief discussion period at the end of the presentation.

Student presenters and guests are asked to complete a general registration form. In addition, student presenters must also complete a student presenter form. All registration forms and information for this year's event can be found on the UM-Dearborn Meeting of Minds page.

The last day to register for this year's conference is March 27, 2009. Specific information regarding the event will be sent electronically to all registered participants. In additon, the program will be available prior to the event.

Students who present at Meeting of Minds are also eligible to submit their research for the annual Meeting of Minds Journal of Undergraduate Research. The guidelines and deadlines for submission of papers can be found on the UM-Dearborn Meeting of Minds page.