Meeting of Minds Undergraduate Research Conference
Since its inception in 1993, the annual Meeting of Minds Undergraduate Conference has provided a forum for the publication and dissemination of undergraduate student research. A shared responsibility between the University of Michigan - Flint, Oakland University, and the University of Michigan - Dearborn, it represents the strong personal commitment of many individual faculty members across the three campuses to undergraduate research and the dedication of these individuals to education through a research mentor relationship with each student.
Students participating in the conference gain valuable experience in the conduct of research and the process of scholarly collaboration. It also provides an opportunity for students to publish the results of their endeavors in the Meeting of Minds Journal.
Presenter Guidelines
Oral Presentations
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
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.
Performance and Demonstration Projects
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.
Registration
Next year's Meeting of Minds conference will be hosted by the University of Michigan-Dearborn. As we get closer to the date, registration will be opened.
Start thinking about next year's MOM!