Academic Excellence Conference - FAQ for Students
1. What is the Academic Excellence Conference (AEC)?
The annual Academic Excellence Conference showcases original research, scholarship, and creative work by KSC graduate and undergraduate students. It gives students an opportunity to present their best academic work to a broad audience of their peers, faculty, and the public.
2. Why should I participate?
AEC gives you an opportunity to share and discuss your research, to receive feedback and entertain questions from students and faculty from across the College, as well as the general public attending the Conference. This is a great way to present your research in a formal setting, to exchange ideas with faculty and other undergraduate scholars, and to enhance your resume.
3. Who can present at AEC?
Any registered undergraduate or graduate student is eligible to present at AEC. Presentations can be done individually or in small groups.
4. Who attends AEC?
KSC students, faculty, parents and other family, friends, alumni, the general public, and visitors from local and regional business communities and government offices.
5. When and where does the conference take place?
The AEC takes place on the KSC campus in the L.P. Young Student Center, the David F. Putnam Science Center, and the Zorn Dining Commons. This year's conference is on Saturday, March 27, 2010.
6. What do I need to apply?
You need to submit a formal proposal to the AEC committee by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Additionally, a printed copy of your online submission, signed by your faculty mentor, must be turned in to Donna Hinz in Hale Building by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009.
7. What is the most crucial part of the proposal?
The most crucial part of your proposal is the abstract. The abstract should describe the results/conclusions of your research project and, where applicable, methods you have used. It should not exceed 150 words and should be written in language that is free from jargon and that can be understood by both a disciplinary expert and a reasonably informed non-specialist. A faculty member who acts as your project mentor must review and approve your abstract. For group presentations, participants should submit only one proposal.
8. Who is the project mentor?
If your project was originally done for a course, the mentor is usually the instructor who taught it. However, other faculty who were not associated with this course can also serve in this role. If your project was not formally linked to any course, any faculty member who agrees to work with you can serve as your mentorm, as well as a KSC staff member.
9. What is the deadline for applying to AEC?
All proposals, approved by your mentor, are due by Wednesday, December 9, 2009.
10. What formats are available for presenting my work?
Students may present their work in one of the following formats: Oral Presentation, Poster, Exhibit, Workshop, Performance, or Panel discussion. Please read the description of each format to choose the appropriate format for your presentation.
11. What are criteria for selection?
A selection committee comprised of faculty from across the College will judge your abstract based on the following criteria.
12. How soon can I expect to hear from the AEC selection committee?
You will hear from the selection committee via your ksc.mailcruiser account the week of December 14, 2009.
13. What happens after the AEC selection committee reviews student proposals?
After the AEC selection committee reviews all proposals, you will receive an e-mail notifying you of one of the three possible outcomes.
- Your proposal was accepted in its present form. No additional changes to the abstract are necessary. It will be published in the Conference program as you have submitted it.
- Your proposal requires further work or revisions. In this case, the selection committee will indicate specific issues that will need to be addressed in the final draft of your abstract.
- Your proposal was denied. The committee will offer a brief explanation of its decision.
14. I have received an e-mail from the selection committee that my abstract needs further work. When is the revised abstract due?
Revised abstracts are due Friday, February 5, 2010. You will be notified by Friday, February 12, 2010 as to whether the revised proposal has been accepted.
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