Call for Judges, Moderators, and Volunteers for the 2026 Research and Creative Works Symposium

The Graduate School is excited to be preparing for the ISU Research and Creative Works Symposium on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. At the symposium, students participate in an Oral Presentation Session and/or a Poster Presentation Session, or a Creative Works display. Presenters include graduate students, undergraduate and PharmD students, and health residents.

This year, we are seeking assistance in three key roles that are essential to the success of our event: judges, moderators, and day-of volunteers. Each role plays a crucial part in ensuring a smooth and exceptional experience for all participants. There will be a brief training session for all roles on Tuesday, March 17, in the afternoon. Details to follow.

Below, you will find detailed descriptions of each role. Please review them carefully, select the role you would like to fulfill, and complete this form.

Judge Responsibilities and Qualifications
In this role, judges will evaluate multiple posters, oral presentations, or creative works displays during their selected time slot. Judges are required to assess each presentation using the official scoring form, which will be provided electronically. We appreciate your time and expertise in ensuring a fair and rigorous evaluation process.

Qualifications: A doctorate is required to evaluate graduate-level presentations. A bachelor's or master's degree is required to evaluate undergraduate-level presentations and creative works displays.

Moderator Responsibilities
In this role, moderators will oversee multiple oral presentations during their assigned time slot and manage the Zoom component for the assigned session. Responsibilities include managing time, ensuring the platform functions smoothly, and clearly communicating the structure and rules to presenters and attendees.

Day-of Volunteer Responsibilities
Day-of volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the event runs smoothly. Responsibilities may vary and include assisting judges and moderators, organizing and setting up posters or presentations, distributing materials, and addressing any on-site needs. Volunteers should be prepared to move between rooms as needed to provide support.

You can sign up for a time slot that fits your availability. Your help is greatly appreciated in making this event a success. While the precise times may change depending on how many submissions we receive, the sessions will tentatively be scheduled as follows. We ask that those who wish to volunteer in any of these areas plan to be there 10 minutes before the sessions begin. You may volunteer for one or more sessions.

Oral Presentations - In-Person (Pocatello/Meridian) & Zoom
Graduate Oral Presentations: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Undergraduate/PharmD/Health Residents Oral Presentations: 3:15- 5:15 pm

Poster Presentations - In-person (Pocatello) and Zoom
Undergraduate/PharmD/Health Residents Poster Sessions: 1 - 3 p.m.
Graduate Poster Sessions: 3:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Poster Presentations - In-person (Meridian)
Meridian Poster Session #1: 1 - 3 p.m.
Meridian Poster Session #2: 3:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Creative Works - In-person (Pocatello)
Creative Works Session: 3:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Sign-up using this form or visit the event website for more information.