SMC Undergraduate Research Colloquium

Join us for the 2025 SMC Undergraduate Research Colloquium!

The Colloquium showcases a sweeping array of research undertaken by the SMC undergraduate community. Thanks to the wide-ranging curiosity of our students, attendees will be treated to work spanning disciplines from Book and Media Studies to Mediaeval Studies to Anthropology and more. Students will present their work through traditional conference presentations, academic poster displays, and lightning talks. A panel of judges will offer awards.

Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

RSVP

RSVP here.

RSVPs are appreciated but not required.

Program of speakers, presentations, and posters

A program for the Colloquium will be available shortly.

Help and Info for Presenters

Register for the St. Mike’s Undergraduate Research Colloquium Workshop Series!

Best Practices for Academic Posters

Best Practices for Academic Presentations

Sign-Up and Submit Work

Submit Your Poster

[Link]

Deadline: Thursday, February 20th by 11:59pm

Poster specifications:

  • 36×48 inches (landscape) or 48×36 (portrait) with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
  • PDF
  • Use the filename format lastname_firstname_urc2025.pdf

Submit Your Presentation Slides

[Link]

Deadline: Thursday, February 27th by 11:59pm

Presentation specifications:

  • TBD
  • TBD
  • TBD

Tips and Tricks for Presentation or Poster Session

General Tips

  • Rehearse your presentation or poster “elevator” speech until you are very comfortable giving it within the allotted time.
  • Anticipate 3-5 questions the audience might ask you and have answers prepared.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your session begins. Plan to stay for at least the duration of your session.
  • It’s considered polite to attend the presentations of other researchers at conferences.
  • Most conferences expect presenters to wear business casual clothing. If you would like to dress more informally, a good measure is to wear what you might wear to class.

Poster Tips and Info

  • Colloquium Day logistics: We will print your poster and put up the poster for you. You attend the poster session, stand next to your poster, and discuss your research with attendees who approach you. After the poster session, you are welcome to take the printed paper poster for a keepsake. Please do not take any of the equipment (e.g., easel, posterboard, binder clips).
  • Recommended software: Canva (search “Research Poster” in templates and check the dimensions) or PowerPoint (create a custom slide in the target dimensions or search online for slide templates). Alternatively, you can use whatever other software or apps you are most familiar with.
  • Think about your audience and goals: Who will be looking at your poster? How much specialized knowledge will they have? Are they familiar with your field of study or new to it? Do they need background information, or can you assume context and familiarity with the jargon in your field? What do you most want them to learn or remember? Choose the content and pitch of your poster accordingly.
  • General design recommendations: Design your poster so it is eye-catching, easy to see from far away, and quick to scan. While we don’t have a word or image limit, consider limiting text to 200-500 words and include no more than 1-3 of your most important images, charts, graphs, or illustrations. 
  • Consider dividing your poster into sections: Many academic posters will be divided into three vertical columns of equal size, with one or more sections in each column. Each section should address an aspect of your research. There may be disciplinary differences in how to organize your poster. You may wish to have a summary or abstract. In the humanities, you may have an introduction and a conclusion, and dedicate other sections to main points or primary sources. A scientific study may have sections with introduction, methods, results, and conclusion. Don’t forget to include basic information, such as a title, your name, your affiliation, citations/bibliography, and any acknowledgements. 
  • Generally, use sans-serif fonts (like Arial), although other clear fonts may suit your topic: Use larger font sizes (think over 80pt or more for your title and 24-36 for your main text).  Many designs keep everything aligned to the left although there may be other layouts depending on your material. Balance the empty space (“whitespace”) around blocks of text and images so your poster neither looks sparse nor overly cluttered. Include high-resolution images if possible (consider 150-300 dpi). Keep design and color elements simple and attractive. Less is more. 

Want more guidance? Attend our poster workshop or look online for guides like this one from Yale.

Presentation Tips and Info

[coming soon!]

Organizing Committee

Irene Morra, Principal and Vice President, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto; Professor of English Literature, University of Toronto

Francesco Morriello, Assistant Professor of Book and Media Studies, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

Jacqueline Murray, Adjunct Faculty, Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Toronto; University Professor Emerita of History, University of Guelph

Stacy Reardon, Instruction Librarian and Director, St. Michael’s College Writing and Research Help Centre, Kelly Library, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto; Instructor of Book and Media Studies, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

James Roussain, William D. Sharpe Chief Librarian and Director of Special Collections, Kelly Library, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

Sarah Stiller, Manager, Access and Information, Kelly Library, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

Philip Trotter, Junior Fellow, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto; PhD Candidate, Department of English, University of Toronto