Interdisciplinary Graduate Symposium

Please, return to this site regularly for up-to-date symposium details on:

Saturday May 2nd, 2009 at the University Club, 9am-5pm

The University of California, Davis Graduate Student Association invites graduate students from all disciplines to participate in a campus-wide, interdisciplinary forum that is run by and for graduate students. We encourage scholars to present papers or posters; perform musical, theatrical, or dance pieces; exhibit their art and film works; read poetry and short stories; sit on a discussion panel; or give a lab lecture. Panel proposals are encouraged.

At its heart, this symposium should be viewed as a “sandbox” for works-in-progress. Through it, graduate students have the opportunity to perfect their presentation skills in a friendly environment.

The fundamental goals of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Symposium (IGS) are:

Why should you participate? Attending a conference or a professional association meeting in your field is one of the best ways to become acquainted with members of the intellectual and professional community you plan to join after graduate school. Hearing presentations on the newest work in your field can inspire and stimulate your own intellectual development. However, by not only attending but also presenting your work at such an event, you will enhance the beneficial effects of your experience.

Recognizing these benefits the IGS gives you an opportunity to present your work in a low-key, comfortable setting and solicit feedback and suggestions (as well as praise) from an audience of educated listeners. It gives you public speaking experience, both in presenting and in responding to audience questions. Through the act of presenting, as well as by hearing others’ presentations, you will learn what techniques work best for you, thus improving your own performance at future professional meetings and public events.

Furthermore, the IGS is intended to be a distillation of the entire scope of graduate studies at UC Davis. Therefore, not only is it a safe environment to hone your skills, it is also a unique opportunity for you to expose yourself to a broad range of intellectually stimulating, scholarly topics. Lastly, there will be plenty of great food (Sophia's) and even cash prizes ($$$) for the best works in the symposium ~ now that's not something every conference can provide!

The 14th Annual IGS will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at the University Club from 9am to 5pm. Programming for this full day event will include 10 minute lectures,poster sessions, music, and other presentation formats as requested.We will also have an awards ceremony, with cash prizes going to the top presentations. A catered lunch by Sophia's Thai Kitchen, light breakfast, and refreshments will be provided to all attendees.

The event is FREE, but early registration is mandatory for presenters and encouraged for attendees. Non-presenting attendees are requested to register if they plan to attend either of the catered meals.

Questions? Please Email UCDavisIGS@gmail.com

Registration form (Deadline April 17th) : IGS registration 2009.doc

The Teaching Resources Center has great tutorials on how to use PowerPoint. (Scroll to the bottom of the page.)

IGS flyer.pdf - A flyer for students.