Welcome to the 2006 Citizens Board Research & Creativity Forum

The Research and Creativity Forum is a student led event hosted by the Graduate Student Association, the undergraduate student organization "INQUIRY," UM Citizens Board, the Graduate School, the Honors Program, and the Toppel Career Center.

Is this your first conference or exhibition? You are not alone! The RCF was created to nurture students in preparation for future presentations. In fact, many students use this opportunity as a "trial run" before they present at a national conference in their field. Additionally, there are a myriad of opportunities for experienced researchers--you will be exposed to various community leaders, corporations, potential funding sources, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Abstract (top)

The Forum is open to both undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines. Abstracts should be based on original work or research that may include work in progress (preferably toward completion), either published or unpublished. Students submitting abstracts must be responsible for the major portion of the work submitted. Multiple co-authorship with faculty is appropriate.

Your abstract should be less than 250 words and contain a brief introduction, summary of methodology, results and conclusions OR style, goals, craftsmanship, aesthetics, and analysis (as appropriate). Applicants are accepted solely on the basis of the content of the submitted abstract by the deadline date.

Business Plan Competition (top)

Each individual or team is required to submit a 2 - 5 page initial Concept Synopsis for the 2005-06 Rothschild Entrepreneurship Competition. The Concept Synopsis is the document used to determine which applicants will be invited to submit a full, detailed Business Plan for the competition. Therefore, it is important that the Concept Synopsis contain as much helpful and relevant information as possible, within the 5 page limit, to allow for a thorough evaluation of the concept.

Paper Competition (top)

The RCF recognizes that a student’s most exciting work often takes the form of a paper. As a result, we invite graduate and undergraduate students to participate in a special competition for papers only. The contest offers students a great opportunity to:

• refine and polish a paper completed in a previous semester
• find the extra incentive and motivation needed to produce something phenomenal this semester

The winner will receive a cash prize, and this kind of accolade looks great on a resume or a curriculum vita.

How to participate:

Register officially for the contest and submit a 250 word abstract of your paper by Wednesday, March 1. This abstract will appear online and will be displayed in print on the day of the Forum itself.

Please review the RCF guidelines for writing abstracts. If you are unsure about how to structure an abstract, check with a professor about the conventions of a specific discipline. If you would like to enter a piece of creative work—a short story or a personal essay—submit an appropriate excerpt.

By 4 pm, Monday, March 20, submit your paper as an attachment to rcfpapercontest@miami.edu. It should be 10-20 pages (not including bibliography). It will be judged on a zero through ten scale by faculty specializing in the appropriate field of study.

We welcome submissions from all disciplines; the sole requirement is that the paper be original and compelling.

Be advised that we allow only one entry per student and that students competing in the paper contest may not compete in other aspects of the RCF.

Eligibility (top)

The Forum is open to all University of Miami undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines. If you are not currently enrolled in classes at UM, we would be honored to have you display your research. Unfortunately, students not enrolled are not be eligible for cash prizes.

Law and medical students are welcome to exhibit their work. Unfortunately, law and medical students are not eligible for prize monies, since only graduate and undergraduate students pay the fees which aid in covering awards.

Guidelines for Posters (top)

All poster displays for RCF should include the author's name, title, and the elements of the scientific method or creative process and content. Posters must be mounted on hard-backed boards (foam, cardboard, etc), so that they can stand on easels, which will be provided the morning of the event.

Paintings, sculptures, architectural drawings, models, poems, and readings are just a few of the forms by which students can display their work. Tables can be made available for displays.

Acquiring audiovisual equipment such as TV/VCR and overhead transparency projectors is the sole responsibility of the participant. If you will need power outlets, the committee must be notified on the application form.

The tack board surface measures approximately 4 feet high by 6 feet wide. The title of the abstract and authors' names should be at the top in lettering at least 1 inch high. Figures, legends, tables, and text should be readable from a distance of three feet. Major results and conclusions should be stated succinctly and clearly. Please bring your own push-pins to adhere your poster to the tack board. Push-pins and any other supplies (i.e., tape, scissors) will not be provided by the RCF Committee and are your responsibility.

Acquiring audiovisual equipment such as TV/VCR and overhead transparency projectors is the sole responsibility of the participant. If student will need power outlets, the committee must be notified on the application form.

Presenting Your Work on Forum Day (top)

You are not required to be present at the Forum all day. You must be present during your judging times. Please make every effort to attend Opening Ceremonies at the Forum Tent Noon to 1:30p.m. Remarks will be delivered by Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick, Dr. Thomas J. LeBlanc, Provost, and Dr. Steven G. Ullmann, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs & University Administration, and Dean of the Graduate School. We want to recognize you. The longer you remain at the Forum, the more exposure you/your work will receive.

Every Ph.D graduate of the University of Miami has been invited to return to the Forum and judge projects on display. Judges may be corporate recruiters, community leaders, alumni, researchers, faculty, and/or administrators. It is possible that at least one judge may be outside your field of study. Be prepared to explain the significance of your work to both an expert and laymen. The Forum Planning Committee will go above and beyond to match you and your work with appropriate judges. You will be exposed to various community leaders, corporations, potential funding sources, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Judging Criteria and Awards (top)

Judging criteria includes presentation style, significance, originality, methodology, presentation quality, and oral presentation. The sum of the presentation scores will determine winners within several categories. Outstanding presentations will be honored with certificates, ribbons, and/or cash awards at the awards banquet Friday, April 7, 2006, 5:30p.m., H100 Room, BankUnited Center.