Grad Slam at CSULB is a campus-wide competition for the best short (no more than 3-minutes) graduate student research presentation.  A panel will judge the pre-recorded video presentations on comprehension, content, engagement, and oration.  Successful Grad Slam presentations will engage a non-specialist audience, while communicating key details about their research in three minutes or less. Submissions must showcase original research from their thesis, dissertation, graduate project, or any other research-based projects. Students in MFA and other creative degree programs could focus on how their creative work applies to the broader exchange of ideas and the role it plays in providing new perspective or changing attitudes.

Eligibility: All active master's and doctoral students who are conducting independent research or projects, including independent research projects done for a graduate-level class, are eligible to participate in Grad Slam competitions at all levels. Entrants must be current graduate students at the time of the competition (i.e. enrolled in the Spring 2023 semester). Please note, group presentations are not permitted at this time, all submissions must be of individuals presenting the research. 

Your participation in Grad Slam will not only advance the visibility of your research but serve as an opportunity for you to deliver a professional presentation while representing CSULB. Grad Slam presenters develop strong communication skills that will be key to success in any career or discipline. This experience can also serve as a valuable addition to your CV or résumé.

Winners of the CSULB Grad Slam will receive cash prizes in the following amounts:

• $500 first-place winners
• $300 second-place winners 
• $200 third-place winners

Two first-place winners from the CSULB Grad Slam competition will be selected to advance to the CSU-Wide Grad Slam competition on May 5, 2023.

• Up to 3-minute recording communicating key details about one's research designed for a non-specialist audience.  (exceeding 3-minutes will incur a penalty by the judges).
• Only a single slide/visual is permitted in the presentation (no slide transitions or animations).
• Use any video recording platform to create and record your video, and then submit the public facing URL link so judges can view without logging-in/creating an account. Recommended platforms include Zoom (CSULB SSO), YouTube, Vimeo, etc. Check out the Zoom Support page to navigate recording settings. 
• No additional electronic media (e.g., sound or video files) are permitted within the video recording. Use of any supporting materials must have pre-approval from the Grad Slam Committee (including use of any props) and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Each presentation will be judged using a common Competition Scoring Rubric (see below).
• Applicants must submit original research from their thesis, dissertation, graduate project, or any other research-based projects. The research can focus on the development of new ideas, methods, or products, or it may focus on the application and revision of current methods or models. Students in MFA or other creative degree programs could focus on how their creative work applies to the broader exchange of ideas and the role it plays in providing new perspective or changing attitudes.

Note: Presenters will not be judged on video/ recording quality, editing capabilities, or production quality of their video. Instead, judging will focus primarily on the presentation, ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience, and the PowerPoint slide (see Competition Scoring Rubric).

If you have any questions about the pre-recorded video guidelines or recommendations contact GraduateCenter@csulb.edu. 

Comprehension

• Language: Topic and significance communicated to non-specialist audience
• Organization: Followed a clear and logical sequence
• Clarity: Adequate background knowledge provided

Content

• Significance: Explained the impact of results

Engagement

• Visual: Well-designed, clear, legible, concise slide; emphasized major points; enhanced presentation
• Captivating:  Piqued intellectual curiosity

Oration

• Delivery:  Well-Paced, enthusiastic, confident, body language, and dynamic

Below are sample videos that interested participants may reference while creating their own presentation. You are welcome to record your video from home, and while not required, you are encouraged to record your video via Zoom.

The Hauth Center offers individualized assistance to help students become effective public speakers. Consultants at the Hauth Center use their expertise and multimedia technology to provide feedback in order to improve one’s presentation skills.

In preparation for submitting your 3-minute recording before March 23, 2023, the Hauth Center is offering 15-minute coaching session to work with participants on how to more effectively communicate their message using the Grad Slam rubric and criteria.

To schedule a 15-minute coaching sessions to practice, visit https://cla.csulb.edu/centers/hauth/ (students can schedule multiple coaching sessions).