URSCA Presentation Guidelines

Student research, scholarship, or creative activity can be presented in one of two formats: a 15-minute oral presentation or as a poster presentation. Video/digital presentations and creative writing will be presented in an oral session format.

  • Dress appropriate to the nature of your presentation within the context of an academic conference. 
  • Follow your academic discipline’s format for scholarly presentations. 
  • Avoid spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Poster Presentation Guidelines

  • Poster will be viewed from a distance of three feet or more. Limit the amount of text and use adequate font sizes. 
  • The smallest lettering should be at least 6 mm high (18 point). Titles should be at least 1" (72 point).
  • Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Oral Presentation Guidelines

Your oral presentation should be approximately 10-12 minutes with 3-5 minutes for Q&A.

  • Your presentation will be part of a session grouped by theme or by course. Sessions will be either 60- or 90-minutes in duration. Each oral presentation will be allotted 15 minutes. A moderator will monitor the time and will facilitate any discussion after the presentation if time allows.
  • Please work with your faculty mentor to produce an appropriate oral presentation for your discipline accompanied by visual materials as appropriate.
  • Prepare an outline of your talk so that you can clearly see logical order in your presentation.
  • Rehearse your talk to ensure it is the proper length with enough time left over for questions. Adjust your content accordingly.
  • Use font sizes large enough so that people in the back of the room can read all numbers and text.
  • Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation on all slides.
  • Make eye contact with your audience.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Do not read your talk. If you use notes, glance at them but do not read them to the audience.
  • On slides, avoid excessive text and cluttered tables that are challenging to read. Your audience should be able to read the text without Avoid including too many slides that may cause you to exceed your time limit or move too rapidly through your presentation. As a general rule, plan on one or two slides per minute of presentation.
  • Avoid using too many colors that distract the audience from your message. Ensure adequate contrast between text and background colors.

Poster Presentation Guidelines

  • Posters can be no larger than 48'' width by 36'' height and will be displayed on easels. One easel and one 48”x 36” poster board backing will be provided for each presenter. Posters will be affixed to the poster board using binder clips that will also be provided.
  • URSCA will cover the cost of one poster per poster presenter. To be eligible, posters must be printed at the campus Mail & Print Center.
    • Acceptable formats are PDF or Canva
    • An URSCA Print Request Form must accompany your order
    • The last day to submit your poster to the Mail & Print Center is 4/24/25
  • Your poster should be self-explanatory with a clear and logical flow so that you are free to discuss and answer questions from your colleagues.
  • Poster will be viewed from a distance of three feet or more. Limit the amount of text and use adequate font sizes.
    • The smallest lettering should be at least 6 mm high (18 point). Titles should be at least 1" (72 point).
  • Keep the presentation as simple and uncluttered as possible with minimal text. Use consistent white space between sections of text, figures, and headings. Select a color scheme that complements, contrasts, and gives continuity to your poster.
  • A horizontal format organized in columns is recommended to ensure that text, figures, pictures, and tables are approximately at eye level.
  • Matte finish photographs and posters are more easily viewed than those with a glossy surface.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Avoid excessive text and cluttered tables that are challenging to read. Your audience should be able to read the text without your help.
  • Avoid using too many colors that distract the audience from your message. Ensure that colors are distinct and clearly readable on the background of your poster.  Avoid red-green color combinations to accommodate those with color blindness.
  • Avoid minor points that complicate your message. Your poster should be self-explanatory so that you are free to answer questions.
  • Prepare a draft of the poster and obtain input from your mentor and colleagues before the conference to design a well-organized, informative, and effective poster.