One of Southwestern’s most exhilarating events is the annual Research and Creative Works Symposium (RCWS). Inaugurated in 1999, the symposium showcases undergraduate research, innovation, and imagination, with students presenting posters, talks, art exhibits, performances, and panel discussions. Each presenter develops critical-thinking, communication, leadership, and project management skills while preparing for the RCWS. Hosted across campus during a daylong celebration, the symposium’s grand display of various intellectual interests, expertise, and in- and out-of-classroom experiences encapsulates the spirit of a liberal-arts education.

Individuals can submit presentation proposals for the following:

• Poster Presentations provide an opportunity to display your research. They often combine visual and textual content, such as tables, graphs, images, and citations.
• Experiential Learning Posters provide an opportunity to share visual and textual content and reflections on community-engaged learning (CEL), internships, or study abroad.
• Oral Presentations allow students to share their research in a classroom presentation. 
• Creative Works and Exhibitions showcase all forms of visual art, including original painting, sculpture, photography, prints, textile arts, drawings, pottery, metal, etc.
• Performances showcase live performances of all types, including literary readings, theatre, music, or dance. 
• Panels include a group of three to five individuals (including a moderator) who will discuss a given topic and will be allocated 50 minutes.

In addition to the presentation type, proposals need to include the following:

• Presentation title
• Presentation abstract (150–200 words)
• Presenter’s (or presenters’) major and contact information
• Faculty or staff sponsor name and department

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