Presentation Guidelines

Research Papers: Selected papers will be grouped into panels of three or four presentations whose subject matter is similar, and each panel will be moderated by either a faculty member or student. Depending on the total number of presentations, there will be two to three concurrent panels per session. Each single presentation is expected to adhere to a strict 10-15 minute limit, which does not include questions. Please make sure to clarify your AV needs on the abstract submission forms.

Visual Arts Presentations: Selected artworks will be set up for temporary display on the morning of the conference in one of three campus spaces. Space permitting, artworks will be grouped into panels by common themes, and moderated by a faculty member or student. Each student artists will present their work in the form of a short 10–15 minute “gallery talk”. (Please see Guidelines for Visual/Performance Art submissions for information about exhibit limits and displays.)

Performance Art Presentations: Selected dance or other performance art pieces will be grouped, space and time permitting, by common themes, and moderated by either a faculty member or a student. Performances should be carefully planned to fit within the allotted 15 minute time slot, e.g. a 10 minute performance should be followed by a brief (5 min) artists’ discussion or scholarly comments. (See Guidelines for Visual/Performance Art submissions for information about performance pieces). Please make sure to clarify your AV needs on the abstract submission forms.

Tips and Suggestions

make sure the tone and references of your presentation are clear to a wider, academic conference. For example, a paper written for a modern British literature class may use terms that are unfamiliar to someone from a different discipline
practice reading your presentation out loud to make sure you are within the time limit, and to work out any kinks regarding pronunciation and flow. Feel free to make marks on your presentation copy- highlighting things you wish to emphasize, where you wish to make pauses, etc.
be open to comments and suggestions during the question and answer period, and know that it is fine to ask someone to repeat a question and/or clarify it. The most important part of such a presentation is the exchange that happens afterward. To that end, also make sure to take good notes when the other students on your panel are presenting so that you can better participate in the following discussion.
plan to attend a few other panels during the day. It is always intellectually rewarding and stimulating to learn about the work of other scholars, and it often reveals surprising connections and new avenues of academic inquiry and collaboration.