Project Guidelines

Objectives

Each MURALS participant will complete four mandatory items:

  • Submit a 250-word (maximum) abstract, or summary of your scholarly work, no later than February 19th at 11:59pm
  • Register for MURALS through Cvent (link coming soon) 
  • Create a professional poster that describes your research or scholarly work (digital submissions are due March 12th by 11:59pm) via Cvent HERE
  • Assemble a 5-7 minute oral presentation to be presented live on April 2, 2027 (we will send you the schedule and links at least one week prior to MURALS)

Timeline

  • MURALS Workshops are moving online (Stay tuned for updates)
  • Abstract due date: Friday, February 19th at 11:59pm
  • Poster due date: Friday, March 12th 11:59pm
  • Oral Presentation: Uploaded to your room assignment folder by Wednesday, March 24th at 11:59pm
  • Day of MURALS: Friday, April 2, 2027 from 7:30am-5pm in the LSC

Categories

Each MURALS participant will submit their research or scholarly work under one category. The category for your work must be denoted upon submitting your abstract. There are four categories to choose from: creative arts, STEM, social sciences/humanities and service learning and leadership. Please use the category descriptions below to guide you on which category to submit your project under.

Creative Arts

Audio and/or visual art pieces, performing art, creative writing, poetry, visual media projects, etc.
View Creative Arts Project Guidelines

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Real or faux programs, initiatives, business propositions, start-ups, etc.
View Innovation and Entrepreneurship Guidelines

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Science, statistical projects, information systems research, entrepreneurship, accounting and finance projects, engineering projects, etc.
View STEM Project Guidelines

Service Learning Leadership Projects

Study abroad and alternative summer break projects, student organization projects, etc.
View Service Learning Leadership Project Guidelines

Social Science/Humanities

Historic research, economic projects, language and cultural research, pedagogical studies, entrepreneurship, etc.
View Social Sciences/Humanities Project Guidelines

Awards

Awards will be given out at the end of the symposium on April 2, 2027. Each award also comes with a cash prize!

Each category has its own first place and rising star awards. There is also an enhancer award. To be considered for this award, the student’s project must examine in a participatory manner the differential conditions and structures for marginalize people and/or the impact of oppression and marginalization in their lived experiences/social identities. An enhancer is an additive award that can be applied to any eligible submission within any category; meaning an already awarded MURALS project may win the enhancer award as well. Lastly, there is an overall MURALS award that is the highest award across all 5 categories.