Please read this page in its entirety before proceed submitting the proposal.

On Friday, April 13th, 2012, Loyola University Maryland will host the 13th annual campus-wide forum highlighting undergraduate student research and scholarship. The goal of the colloquium is to encourage scholastic endeavors that focus on either the generation of new knowledge or creative integration of existing scholarship.

Application Requirements

All currently enrolled undergraduate students of the University are eligible to make submissions to the Colloquium.  The application form requires identification of a Loyola University faculty member who will agree to serve as a mentor in the application process.

Please be sure that you have all the information in front of you before completing the form.

You will be required to indicate if you wish to present a poster (or visual) or oral presentation at the Colloquium.

A poster involves a display of the main points, ideas, and findings of the research, which the students refer to as they explain their work.

An oral presentation is a more formal presentation within a classroom setting.

Competition Divisions

Arts & Humanities

Business

Education

Mathematical & Natural Sciences

Social Sciences

Demonstration/Performance

Demonstration: Novel presentation of existing principles, laws, scholarship, or pedagogy.

Performance: Public presentation of artistic or creative work/scholarship.

General Guidelines

Note: Please read the instructions below carefully before proceeding to complete the online application form which is linked below. Also note that you can upload your proposal file only once.

• Since the Committee uses a blind review process, proposals (with the exception of the application form) are to be devoid of the applicant and mentor’s names. Applicants are reminded that if they refer to their own work or their mentor’s works in the references, the names should be omitted or marked out.
• Each student may submit only one proposal in each division each year.
• The committee accepts both individual and collaborative proposals.
• The application form and written proposal are to be submitted online at the USRSC website: http://www.loyola.edu/usrsc.
• The proposal must be in the form of a brief description of the project.
• Students should indicate if they wish to present a poster (or visual) or oral presentation at the Colloquium.  A poster involves a display of the main points, ideas, and findings of the project. The posters are displayed throughout the colloquium venue for informal browsing with opportunities for individual discussion with the poster's author(s). An oral presentation is a more formal 10 minute presentation within a classroom setting.

Evaluation Criteria

While it is expected that the scholarly investigation will be completed at the time of the Colloquium, it is not essential that the research be completed at the time of application.  Because of this consideration, the submitted proposals will only reviewed on clarity of purpose, preparation, and methodology using criteria A-C outlined below.  For accepted proposals, reviewers will provide limited feedback to students.  Faculty mentors should assist students in considering this feedback. Presentations at the Colloquium will be judged using all six criteria in Sections One and Two below.

SECTION ONE – used to review ALL Colloquium proposals and presentations

A. Clear Goals: Does the student-scholar state the basic purpose(s) of his or her work? Considerations: Defining objectives that are realistic and achievable. Identifying important questions in the field. Stating the objectives in a manner appropriate for a lay audience.

B. Adequate Preparation: Does the student-scholar show an understanding of existing scholarship in the field? Considerations: Synthesizing approaches in the field as they relate to stated goals. Use of resources necessary to move the project forward. Gathering documentation relevant to stated goals. Bringing the necessary skills to his or her work.

C. Appropriate Methods: Does the student-scholar use methods appropriate to the goals? Considerations: Applying effectively the methods selected. Modifying procedures in response to changing circumstances?

SECTION TWO – used ONLY at the Colloquium

D. Significant Results: Does the student-scholar achieve his or her goals? Considerations: The student-scholar's work might contribute to the field of study. The student-scholar's work might open additional areas for further exploration.

E. Effective Presentation: Does the student-scholar use a suitable style and effective organization to present his or her work? Considerations: Clear presentation of message. Integrity of message. Visual appeal of demonstration.

F. Reflective Critique: Does the student-scholar critically evaluate his or her own work? Considerations: Breadth of evidence supporting his or her critique. Use evaluation to improve the quality of future work.

The online application form is here. Please click to go to the form.