Spring Research & Engagement Symposium

April 8, 2026

 

Explore, discover, and celebrate at Weber State University's annual Research and Engagement Symposium, a showcase of undergraduate and graduate student research, High Impact Educational Experiences (HIEEs), creative works, and innovation. Held every April, this exciting event brings together students from all disciplines to share their learning experiences through posters, performances, oral presentations, exhibits, and more.

Come join us in celebrating the incredible work of our students and learn about opportunities and ways you can get connected to HIEEs at Weber State University.

This event is open to everyone, including Weber State staff, faculty, students, and the general public. No tickets are required.

Student Presentation Information

  • Abstract or Summary Submission deadline: March 18, 2026
  • Free poster printing deadline: March 27 (Students are not limited to poster presentations. See below for more ideas.)
  • Full presentation schedule available the week of March 23
  • Symposium event: April 8, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Shepherd Union, 3rd floor
  • Awards ceremony and light luncheon: 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. in the Shepherd Union ballrooms

Email researchengagement@weber.edu with questions.

HIEE Fair

At the HIEE fair you will be able to learn how to get involved with HIEEs at Weber State University. Discover hands-on learning experiences, grab some cool swag, and enter for a chance to win a $50 or $10 Amazon Gift Card. The HIEE Fair will be on April 8 on the third floor Mezzanine of the Shepherd Union Building.

Poster Printing

Download Poster Template

Presentation Details

  • Oral presentations and Performing Arts presentations are limited to 12 minutes with an additional 3 minutes allotted for discussion and questions.
  • Poster presentations and Visual Arts will be scheduled for 90 minutes.

Presentation Types & Descriptions

Traditional Poster

Maximum poster size: 36 inches x 42 inches

Session length: 90 minutes

Poster sessions provide an opportunity for students to visually showcase their projects on a large poster board, incorporating a mix of text, tables, graphs, and images to present in an engaging and accessible format. These posters serve as conversation starters, facilitating discussions with attendees.

Students will stand by their posters to discuss their work and answer questions.

Note: WSU will provide poster boards and push pins for display. To be eligible for free printing, please visit The Office of Undergraduate Research's poster page.

Oral Presentation

Presentations in this category are scheduled alongside others in a 15-minute time slot, consisting of a 12-minute presentation followed by a 3-minute Q&A session.

These are traditional presentations, where students share their findings or projects with an audience using slides or other visual aids. Each presenter is given a designated time to speak, followed by an opportunity for audience questions.

Presenters are expected to remain in the room for the entire session to show respect for fellow presenters. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes.

If you wish to utilize video media, please consider a Digital Presentation.

Elevator Pitch Competition

Exclusive to Wildcat Advantage students who have attended the Elevator Pitch Workshop, this competition challenges participants to deliver a compelling, two-minute (or less) pitch to a panel of employer judges. Students will highlight their High Impact Educational Experience (HIEE) in a concise and engaging manner.

Session length: 50 minutes

Participants: up to 16 pitches per session

Awards: Winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony & Luncheon on the same day.

Sponsored by Weber State University’s Department of Professional Sales

Exhibit

Students can showcase their creative or research projects through visual arts displays, including paintings, sculptures, photography, digital art, and other visual media.

Displays must not exceed a maximum size of 42 inches in width by 54 inches in height when unrolled or unfolded for presentation on a poster board.

If you plan to display 3-dimensional media, please include any setup requests in the notes section when submitting your application to present.

Performance

In this category, performances are scheduled alongside other performances with a maximum a 15-minute time slot, which may include an artistic statement, live performance and/or a recording.

This format allows students to showcase creative or research projects through artistic performances, such as musical performances, theatrical acts, dance routines, spoken word, or other expressive works.

Digital Presentation

Digital presentations offer an interactive way to showcase student presentations using a laptop display on a small bistro table during a 90 minute session.

Presentations may include slides, videos, animations, or other digital media to effectively communicate findings or projects in a dynamic and engaging format.

Students will stand by their laptops to discuss their work with conference attendees.

Laptops should be fully charged before the session, as there is limited access to power outlets.

Panel Discussion

Class projects or group presentations may use the entire 75-minute session, including Q&A.

Presentations may take the form of a panel discussion, where multiple students share insights on a common topic, or another collaborative format in which the majority of the class participates. This setup encourages dynamic discussion, diverse perspectives, and audience engagement.

Zoom Presentation

This format allows students to present their research or creative projects virtually via Zoom. Each presenter will have 12 minutes to share their work, followed by a 3-minute Q&A (15 minutes total). Presentations may include slides, videos, or other digital media to effectively communicate findings or creative expressions.

This option is only available for out-of-area students.