By Mason Lipsey / Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College students and faculty are preparing for the upcoming Student Research Symposium, one of the largest academic events of the semester.

The symposium allows students to present academic, professional and creative work developed over several weeks, with opportunities to earn scholarships and awards. Presentations will be judged by faculty and members of the symposium committee.

Students can choose between poster and oral presentations across a range of topics, from campus-focused research to broader national issues. The event is open to students, faculty and members of the community.

Preparation for the symposium extends beyond student research, involving support from faculty and campus staff.

Assistant Dean of Library and Academic Support Services Samantha Perkins said the library plays a central role in helping students prepare for the event.

“We love the Student Research Symposium. It gives us a great opportunity to support our colleagues and students. Our office continues to play a big role,” she said.

Murrell Library provides resources beyond research materials, including workshops, poster design assistance and printing for presentations. Staff members also help promote the event through campus marketing efforts.

In the weeks leading up to the symposium, students balance research, organization and presentation preparation. Many projects are completed in groups, which can help manage the workload.

“I’ve been preparing myself for the research symposium gradually by doing a little bit of work each week and meeting with my group to make sure all of our thoughts are compiled, and we are on the same page. I’m putting in a lot of effort into the project, but I choose not to let it overwhelm me, so when I decide to work on it, I’m not stressing about anything besides the goals I set for that day,” said Jean Russell.

For some students, prior experience does not necessarily make the process easier.

“I don’t think my experience will help me much for this symposium, just because the last one I had a wider variety to choose what I was presenting, and I chose everything that I researched in my poster, so it was very easy to explain the stuff in it.”

Some symposium entries are required for coursework and may factor into final grades, adding pressure for students as deadlines approach.

With one week remaining, students are making final adjustments to their projects ahead of judging. 

The Student Research Symposium is scheduled for May 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a reception to follow.