Submission requirements

Submit your project

Submission deadline: March 6, 2026

We invite students of all disciplines to present their research, scholarship, creative projects, capstone projects, theses or other significant projects completed as part of their coursework (category A). We also invite reflections on academic enrichment activities, such as service learning, study abroad, leadership, or STEP signature projects (category B). 

To be considered, complete the Call for Abstracts form by the deadline. You will be asked to:

• provide your demographic information
• submit a 450-word abstract
• choose a category (A or B — see below for details)
• type of presentation (oral or poster)
• provide the name of instructors with whom you have worked

Tip: Well in advance of submission, consult the faculty member who is directing your project (category A) or who you will ask to review it before submission (category B). Prepare your 450-word abstract in advance for their review. 

Categories

Projects may be proposed in two categories.

Category A

This category is for traditional research projects, theses and creative projects that have been (or will be) conducted under the direction of a faculty member. These projects may be proposed or completed. "Proposed" is for projects that a faculty member has agreed to direct but that are not yet complete. "Completed" is the category for projects that will be completed by the time of the forum. 

Examples of eligible submissions in category A include, but are not limited to:

• scientific research conducted in a lab or in the field
• visual and performance artwork
• literature or film analysis
• research on historical events or people

Category B

This is a broader category allowing you to present creative work or reflections on your experiences in enriching activities such as service learning, study abroad, community engagement, leadership or creative activities. This category is appropriate for most completed STEP projects. 

Only completed projects may be presented in category B. These projects are activities that you may have completed without formal faculty direction (such as a personal project) or as part of a class. We therefore ask that you ask a faculty member with appropriate expertise to review your proposal and approve it as appropriate for submission. (This does not guarantee acceptance for the forum but provides an opportunity for you to receive feedback before submitting.) Please provide the faculty member(s) name in the Call for Abstracts submission form. 

Examples of eligible submissions in category B include, but are not limited to:

• research or analysis completed for a course
• scholarly or creative class project of substance and depth
• creative projects, such as photographs, drawings, fiction, poetry or creative nonfiction
• reflections on engagement in internships, service learning, leadership activities or study abroad
• reflections on a STEP signature project

Questions?

Contact Virginia H. Cope at cope.38@osu.edu.