Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions concerning the Undergraduate Research Colloquium:

What qualifies as "research"?

Any individual or collaborative scholarly project that involves the generation of new knowledge or creative integration of existing scholarship. This may include a research project, scholarly essay, or work of art, poetry, or literature. Our aim is to encourage research at all stages of development. So, a good course project or essay, a comprehensive hypothesis-testing experiment, or a new theatrical design, are all equally welcome.

Who can enter the colloquium?

Any registered Loyola University undergraduate student can submit to the competition.

Must the submission be based on research or scholarship performed at Loyola?

Submissions are not limited to scholarship performed solely at Loyola. However, you must have been enrolled in the University when the project was initiated and you must recruit a professor at Loyola to mentor you through the competition process.

What is the role of my mentor? 

You should work with your mentor throughout the competition process.  You are encouraged to have your mentor review your proposal abstract and final submission (poster or presentation) prior to the Colloquium.

How should I decide between a poster or oral presentation?

Your mentor will assist you in choosing the most appropriate category for your submission. If you and your mentor have any questions, you may contact any of the committee members.

A poster involves a display of the main points, ideas, and findings of the project. The posters are displayed throughout the colloquium venue for informal browsing with opportunities for individual discussion with the poster's author(s). Oral presentations are about 10 minutes long within the classroom setting.

When are submissions due, and to whom should I give my submission?

Your submission (in the form of abstract) may be submitted online and is due by March 19, 2024.

What are the required elements of the submission?

See the online Colloquium Application Information.

Who will review and judge the submissions?

There will be a round of review and a round of judging at the Colloquium for each division, both conducted by faculty representing the discipline of the submission. The panel of reviewers will review the proposal and give feedback, if needed, to the presenter(s) in time to prepare for the colloquium. The judging will take place at the Colloquium and will be conducted by a new panel of judges.

When will I be notified if I am presenting at the colloquium?

Presenters will be notified by the end of March.