WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO USE A NEW POSTER FORMAT THIS YEAR! The new format provides an opportunity for you and your audience to focus on the
main point you are trying to convey, allowing for a stronger and more informative
presentation overall. You can download a Powerpoint poster template here.
See also two informative videos from Mike Morrison, who developed this poster format:
Preparing for UGS
Regardless of the poster format you decide to use, your poster should be 36” high
and 48” wide.
If you choose to use the poster template, you can change the width of the three panels somewhat but should refrain from filling
the panels with too much text. You can also customize the background colors, add illustrations
that emphasize/are relevant to your research topic, and otherwise personalize your
poster (see poster examples below).
Use font sizes as large as the ones in the template to ensure that your poster is legible from three feet away.
Concentrate on the main points only and avoiddiscipline-specific jargon that a reader outside your research area may not understand.Provide only important information that will pique the reader’s interest and lead
to a lively discussion about your project.
Acknowledge financial support (e.g., DCUR grant, Honors College grant, mentor’s grant) if applicable.
Ask your mentor for adviceand solicit their constructive criticism. Your mentor will be able to guide you about main points to make, appropriate language
to use, poster design, etc.
A week but no later than three days before the symposium, convert your poster file to pdf format for printing. Signs First (4400 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402) charges ~$40 to print posters for UGS presenters.
Send the file in PDF format to sales@hubcitysignsfirst.com with the subject line: Undergraduate Research Symposium and your name
Include your name and phone number in the email.
Signs First will email a proof to the email address you provided and will NOT print until they have received your approval.
Payment will be required at the time you pick up the order.
Practice guiding readers through your poster in 1-2 minutes. Ask your mentor and/or friends to be the audience and request their feedback about
clarity, flow, speed, etc. of your presentation; you want to have an effective discourse
with the judges at the UGS. The Southern Miss Speaking Center can also help with your presentation.
On the Day of UGS
Dress professionally for your UGS presentation. Please consult this guide to professional dress codes. Business casual, academic casual, or academic formal attire is appropriate.
At the UGS, stand by your poster during the entire poster session, even if you think the judges have completed their evaluations. Look at the neighboring
presenters’ posters and discuss their work with them, even if their research does
not fall within your discipline.
Enjoy the UGS experience! UGS offers a friendly, supportive environment for your professional academic presentation
that will help you gain confidence for future presentations in your field.
Your chances of winning a UGS presentation award are 1 in 3 to 1 in 4, but you have to be present at the awards ceremony to be eligible
for a presentation prize.
Example Posters
Morgan Research Group, Southern Miss Polymer Science and Engineering
Example donated by @americoamorim
Example donated by @brenden0walker
Do I have to register if I submit, or is that automatically done?
Everyoneneeds to register by the posted deadline so that we know who will be attending the
UGS and the (free!) lunch and keynote address. The registration portal opens in March;
the registration deadline is typically in early April.
To register, complete simply the online registration form below.
Contact a member of the UGS Planning Committee in your area of interest for questions related to conventions of presentations in
your discipline. _____________________
Contact Dr.%20Rebecca%20Tuuri or Dr.%20Joyce%20Inman for questions related to abstract submission or registration, UGS schedule or program,
judging or moderating. _____________________