Frequently Asked Questions

How can I present at the Symposium?

To be considered for the 2012 Symposium, Honors Students need to submit a 150-word abstract which summarizes their research and gives an overview of what they would like to present. The deadline to submit a proposal is February 14, 2012.Click here for the proposal submission site.

How are proposals selected?

A Proposal Committee made up of Honors Directors and Counselors screens all proposals and selects those that will be presented at the Symposium. This is an anonymous process meaning that your name and college are kept secret until the selection process is completed.In the event of "close calls", please note that proposals from Northern California Colleges will be given preference

How many proposals will be chosen?

Due to space limitations, we estimate that approximately 80-90 different proposals will be chosen this year. The selection process is competitive; last year about 50% of submitted proposals were accepted. Therefore, you should be sure that your proposal is of the highest quality and that it is clear to the Proposal Committee exactly what your research entailed, what your methods and resources were, and what conclusion you reached. Proposals with intriguing subject matters that demonstrate excellent research methods will do well in this process.

May I submit more than one proposal?

Yes. However should more than one be accepted through the anonymous review process, the Proposal Committee will choose only ONE to present at the Symposium.

Who is eligible to submit a proposal to present?

Any work done by a community college Honors Student between Spring 2011- Spring 2012 is eligble to be submitted. The student does NOT need to be a current community college student. For example, if you did a project in an Honors Course during Spring 2011 at your community college, but now you attend a 4-year university, you still may submit a proposal to present at the Symposium.

What's the deadline to submit a proposal to present?

The final day to submit a presentation proposal is February 14, 2012.

Can I attend the Symposium even if I'm not presenting?

Absolutely! We have room for approximately 300 attendees, and as noted above, only about 80-90 of those students will be presenting.

I'm not currently an Honors Student. Can I attend?

While this Symposium is primarily for Honors Students and faculty/staff, in special circumstances non-Honors Students will be allowed to attend providing space is available. For example, if you are about to join the Honors Program, you might be allowed to attend. Contact your college's Honors Director for information about how to obtain permission to attend.

How do I pay my Symposium registration fee?

The $25 fee must be paid to your Honors Director according to the deadlines and procedures they have determined for your campus. This fee can be waived for students experiencing financial difficulties. Contact your Director for more details.

What kind of AV equipment will be available for presenters?

Every room will have an LCD projector, and a white board. You need to bring your own laptop, connector cables and white board markers.