Tower Day 2023

Columbus State University's Tower Day Undergraduate Research Conference is an annual celebration and showcasing of student academic and creative endeavors. Participants from all majors present, discuss, and network about research and artistic productions.

Tower Day will be held at the Davidson/Schuster Center, located at 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, on Friday, April 28, 2023 and online.

Any current undergraduate student or recent graduate of CSU may submit an abstract to present at Tower Day. The main criteria for submitting is that the academic or creative work took place while the individual was a CSU student.

You will need to submit the following information during the online process, much of which may be cut and pasted from text documents:

Required Information:

• Project Title
• Project Abstract (250-word limit)
• Mode of Presentation (e.g., Poster, 15-minute presentation)
• Equipment needs (e.g., DVD, PowerPoint)
• Full names and academic level of all student collaborators
• Full names and departments of all faculty mentors

Other Information (the following responses will not impact whether or not your project is selected for Tower Day):

• If the project originated as a class assignment, you will need the course name and number (e.g., PSYC 4125)
• If the project has been previously presented, published, or received an award, you will need names, dates, and/or journal citations
• If the project was funded by a grant, you will need source, type, and amount

Abstract submission will open on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 on the Tower Day website. Students may also navigate to the application in their MyCSU account by accessing the "student" tab and then the "student records" menu. Then select the "CSU Tower Day Application" under the ‘Applications' column.

If a student is presenting work that they did for your class or as independent research with your guidance, you are considered the faculty mentor and should be listed as such on the student's abstract submission. You will then be responsible for reviewing and signing off on the student's submission before it goes forward for committee review.

The primary faculty mentor will be copied on all correspondence and will be the first mentor listed. If several faculty mentors have assisted you, discuss this issue with them. In general, you should select a faculty mentor in the department the project is predominantly based, and one who devoted the greatest amount of time to the project. All faculty mentors will be recognized and formally thanked.

Student abstracts must be submitted no later than Friday, March 10, 2023. The faculty mentor deadline is Friday, March 17, 2023.

Please see the "2023 Important Dates" flyer.

Online and in person presentation options will be available to include poster presentations, oral presentations, demonstrations, and art displays or performances.

Poster sessions consist of a collection of student projects presented concurrently in a room (online or in person) with projects from various disciplines. Students present their work on tri-boards or scientific poster and spend an hour talking to small groups who circulate throughout the room. This is a great way for students to interact personally with their audience and ideal for those who are hesitant to talk in front of a larger group.

Presentations may take the form of 15-minute lectures or performances, often utilizing PowerPoint technology. Students are typically paired with two other presentations and the presentation set is facilitated by a moderator. Presentations may take place in person or online.

If you are not sure whether a poster or a presentation is right for you, follow up with your faculty mentor.

To purchase a poster, you can go through the Cougar Copy Center located on the ground floor of Davidson Student Center. You can also purchase a poster at a local office supply store.

Presenters are encouraged to be dressed in business casual attire. For more information about professional attire, please refer to the Center for Career Design's website.

Applications will be reviewed between March 20 and March 31, 2023, and notice of acceptance will be sent to selected/accepted students between April 3 and April 7, 2023.

If you have a class on the day of the event, you can receive an excuse from the Tower Day committee by request.

We would love your help as a faculty judge or reviewer! A Google form will be sent via email in the spring semester.

The event is open to the university and general public.