FAQ

GSRC 2020 FAQ’s

• What is a virtual conference?

The 2020 virtual GSRC conference offers a comparable experience to the traditional conference platform. The virtual conference provides a valuable and no-cost option of showcasing your graduate research experience. All aspects of the conference will take place online. This includes all student presentations and speakers.

• Are there any face-to-face components?

No – presenters and speakers will present virtually

• How much is a ticket?

This is a “Free” event for students to showcase their research

• What is the format of the presentations? How does this work virtually?

There are two types of presentation formats:

Virtual paper presentation: A 15-minute presentation, followed by a 5-minute question period. This presentation can include the use of ppt slides, images, animations, etc. which will be displayed to a virtual audience.

Virtual poster presentation: A short 5-minute presentation, which will be displayed to a virtual audience with one static ppt slide or virtual poster. Followed by a 5-minute question period.

• What platform will the conference be held on?

Microsoft Teams (learn more about using Teams by clicking here)

• When will the abstract submission open and close?

The call for abstracts is open in early June and closes mid-August.

• What are the abstract submission guidelines?

Presenters will follow the usual conventions of their discipline. For example, some disciplines generally require abstracts to be organized with headings, whereas other disciplines do not. If you are uncertain of the norms within your discipline, ask one of your supervisors or inquire with the conference organizers prior to submitting your abstract. Presentation content can include a literature review, primary research, media initiative, program initiative etc. Each will also submit a short bio with their abstract.

• Who can submit an abstract?

Any current AU graduate student or recently graduated AU graduate alumni are encouraged to submit an abstract. This year as part of the initiative to encourage continuing graduate education at AU, we will also allow AU undergraduate students to submit abstracts and the top two will be accepted to present.

• What is the Friday night component to the conference? Do I have to attend both days?

On Friday night we will host our weekly “Grad Lounge.” This will be a light and casual virtual event. Attendance is not mandatory on both days.

• When is the early bird deadline?

Register to attend the conference before September 28th and your name will be entered in a draw to win AU swag!

• What are the prizes?

AUGSA has graciously donated prize money for the top three abstract submissions.
1st place $250, 2nd place $150, and 3rd place $100.

• Are there any funding awards available?

As travel is not required for the virtual conference, funding awards are not required.