Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How large should a poster be? Is it better to use all the space provided?
A: Space provided for posters is 3.75 feet wide by 4 feet high. It is not necessary to use all the space provided. Posters should be complete enough that anyone can read the poster and understand the research.
Q: Do I have to use the large computer poster-printing format?
A: No. Many students choose to be creative with poster boards and construction paper instead of computer printing. Just make sure you follow the poster guidelines, include all the necessary sections, and ensure that your poster is legible from a distance of 4-6 feet away.
Q: When should I print my poster?
A: If you choose to print your poster using the large computer-printing format, please take into consideration the time it takes to upload and print your poster. Ideally, you should print your poster several weeks in advance to allow for corrections.
Q: What makes a winning poster?
A: Winners were able to communicate their research in such a way that all the judges could clearly understand the focus of their work. Additionally, all the criteria for posters listed on the web site were followed.
Q: What if I need a computer or additional technology for my poster?
A: Upon request, students can arrange for electrical/network access in order to use a variety of supporting materials for their poster. Exhibitors must provide any computer, audio-visual equipment, etc. as needed for their poster presentation. Please make sure to fill out the appropriate information when submitting your abstract.
Q: How and where can I print my poster?
A: Poster printing can be done at several locations on campus. Additionally there are several departments on campus that have printers capable of printing large format posters. ITS no longer provides a free service to exhibitors.
Q: Is parking provided at the HUB for the exhibition?
A: No.
Q: Where can I see samples of posters from previous years?
A: Pictures are available on the Graduate School's web site under Graduate Exhibition.
Q: How will posters be affixed to provided poster boards?
A: The most common way to affix posters is through the use of tacks. However, tacks will not be provided, so exhibitors should remember to bring their own. Exhibitors are expected to provide all items needed to display their poster.
Q: Does the submitted abstract need to be on the poster?
A: No. Judges will be provided with copies of the students' abstracts, so it is not necessary to print the abstract on your poster. Please note that if you choose to put your abstract on your poster, it will be judged as part of your poster.
Q: If there are multiple students involved in one poster, who should give the 5-minute presentation to the judges?
A: It is customary for one student to give the 5-minute presentation to the judges. However, all students involved in a project are encouraged to participate. Some students choose to have a different presenter for each judge or to break up the 5 minutes among the students involved. Be creative, but remember you only have 5 minutes to present your work, so plan accordingly and make sure you practice.
Q: Can students be involved in more than one performance exhibition?
A: A student may participate in another performance exhibition as an additional member, but may not do 2 separate performances alone.
Q: Do all the judges approach the poster at the same time?
A: No. Judges are asked to visit each poster individually to ensure that one judge's opinions do not bias that of the other judges. Additionally, this gives the student an opportunity to interact with each judge on a one-on-one basis.
Q: Are there allotted times at which judges come by posters?
A: Exhibitors should be prepared to be present by their poster throughout the exhibition. Judges will be visiting posters during an allotted time period.
Q: Will the judges be experts in the exhibitor's field?
A: The Graduate Research Exhibition is aimed at providing an opportunity for the community to learn about ongoing research at the university. It is, therefore, important for exhibitors to present their work so that a lay audience will understand. In an effort to support this environment, students will be judged by judges that are assigned randomly, from a variety of disciplines.
Q: Does the research presented need to be completed prior to the exhibition?
A: No. Students are encouraged to present research at all stages of completion throughout their tenure at Penn State.
Q: Will students receive feedback from judges?
A: Yes. Judges are asked to fill out evaluation sheets on each poster, which will be mailed to the students.
Q: What if I have additional questions about the Graduate Exhibition?
A: The Graduate School provides information sessions for all exhibitors. Please refer to the calendar of events on the Graduate School's web site for dates and times.