Prizes, Guidelines, and Criteria

Consider these questions when designing your poster content: 

• Is your poster written with a non-specialist audience in mind? 

• Is there enough background and contextual information for a non-specialist to understand your work and its significance? 

• Do you discuss the implications of your research for your field and the community at large?

Proofread your poster before printing: 

• Proofread headers, name, co-author names, and main title. 

• Ensure any symbols, tables, and mathematical equations are correctly displayed. 

• Ensure images are not blurry and are not obstructing any text. 

• Ensure your name and the name of any coauthors are listed.  

• Ensure your file is saved as a PowerPoint file (.pptx) or a PDF (.pdf) file. 

• Competitors must print and bring their poster – see the section on Poster Printing for the free university resources available to assist with printing. The Graduate Division will provide the tools for setting up the poster. 

• Competitors must remove their posters immediately after the event. 

Participants are highly encouraged to attend the Communication Academy workshops.  

These workshops include tips on poster design, abstract writing, and conference presentations. These free virtual workshops provide valuable skills to your academic journey and will give you the tools needed to develop a competitive edge in the Research Poster Competition! 

Judges will score the research posters on a scale of 1 to 5 based on the following criteria: 

• Poster content (introduction, objectives, impact, significance) 

• Poster design (appearance, visuals, grammar, spelling) 

• Poster presentation (mastery of content, communication skills) 

• What should I wear for the competition?  
  Professional business attire is highly recommended.  

• Where can I print my poster? 
  The Printing Arts Lab (PAL) offers free medium- and large-format printing for Mason affiliates through a partnership with the Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities, and Research. Posters must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of your desired pickup date. Requests can be submitted here: https://library.gmu.edu/poster-request 

• I can’t stay the entire time. What should I do?  
  Please notify Alyssa Bivins, Graduate Career and Professional Development Program Coordinator, as soon as possible. 

• How many judges will my poster have?  
  All students should interact with at least three judges. Students may see five to seven judges depending on the number of volunteers. 

• My information is wrong in the program; can I change it?  
  Our staff uses the information you entered on your application for the event program, and it unfortunately cannot be changed once printed. 

• Can I invite my professors/friends/peers to the event?  
  Yes! The event is open to guests, students, faculty, and staff. All audience members will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award. 

• What should I expect the day of the competition?  
  Final details will be sent to all students the week of the competition. Please check your email for additional information. 

• When will the winners be announced?  
  Live results will be announced following the networking event and the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Finals at 5pm on November 7th. All competitors are required to attend the 3MT finals and the networking reception in order to receive an award. 

• What happens if I win? 
  Winners will receive a monetary prize that will be posted to your student account. First Place wins $800, Second Place wins $600, Third Place wins $400, and the winner of the People’s Choice award wins $300.