SJSU GRAD SLAM 2022

Present your research for a chance to win cash prizes, represent SJSU, and advance to regional competitions.

What is Grad Slam at SJSU?

Grad Slam at San José State University is a campus-wide competition for the best short research presentation by a graduate student. During the competition, graduate students will be judged by a panel based on their ability to successfully engage a non-specialist audience while communicating key details about their research in three minutes or less. Panelists may include SJSU staff, faculty, students, alumni, city officials, and industry professionals.

Showcase Your Research and Creative Activities!

Grad Slam is designed to showcase and celebrate the wide array of excellent research and creative activity taking place at the graduate level. We are excited to receive applications from students in all fields, from arts and humanities to engineering, education, science (social, biological, health), business, and others. This is a premier opportunity for graduate students to present their work clearly and concisely in front of a broad audience.

Grad Slam 2022 Competition Rounds Description

Grad Slam will have two rounds of competition. The first round is the semi-finals where participants will record a video version of their three-minute presentation with the help of a professional videographer. The videos will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select the participants moving on to the finals. The second round is the finals where the finalists will give their presentation live on a stage at the SJSU campus on April 14th. Participants will be supported by a Public Speaking Workshop Series throughout March to help them prepare, along with one-on-one feedback sessions before each round of competition.

What's New for the 2022 Grad Slam?

Semifinalists will be chosen based on their applications.
Semifinalists will submit a pre-recorded presentation in a video format.
- Semifinalists will each receive a 20-minute appointment with a professional videographer, who will record their three-minute presentation over Zoom.
- During your session, you will receive multiple "takes" so that you may select the strongest recording to put forth as your Grad Slam submission.
- We will offer multiple time options so that you may select an appointment that works for you.
- Judging will not be based on the production quality of your video
Judges will be provided videos to view and score based on this rubric.
Up to ten winners will compete in a LIVE in-person event in the Student Union Theater, using presentation and stage skills learned in our classes!
The first place, second place, and audience choice winners will be recognized at the in-personal Celebration of Research after the Grad Slam.
The first place winner will be invited to attend the Western Association of Graduate Schools for a regional conference to represent SJSU.

Important Dates - 2022

Information Sessions: January and February
March 1 and March 2: Public Speaking, Workshop 1 (Open to all interested graduate students!)
March 4 at 5 p.m.: Deadline to submit Grad Slam application
March 7: Last day for notification to semifinalists (Occurring on a rolling basis as applications are received)
March 8 and 9: Public Speaking, Workshop 2 (Open to semi-finalists)
March 15 and 16: Public Speaking, Workshop 3 (Open to semi-finalists)
March 22 and 23: Public Speaking Workshop 4 (Open to semi-finalists)
April 4 and 5: 1:1 Coaching Sessions before filming
April 5 and 6: Professional videographer Zoom appointments for Semi-Finals recording. Book early!
April 9 and 10: Finalists determined by judges
April 11: Finalists notified
April 13: 1:1 Rehearsal. Live stage presentation practice
April 14 at 11:00 a.m.: SJSU GRAD SLAM FINALS on stage!* In-person event (and streaming online). Winner announced!
April 14 at 2:00 p.m.: Winners presented awards at the SJSU Celebration of Research
May 6, 2022: Selected winners will be invited to attend the CSU-Wide Grad Slam Competition!

*If state and local government mandates the closure of certain in-person events, this event will go forward as a live competition via Zoom

Why Apply?

Your participation in Grad Slam will not only advance the visibility of your research, but serve as an opportunity for you to deliver a professional presentation while representing SJSU. Grad Slam presenters develop strong communication skills that will be key to success in any career or discipline. This experience can also serve as a valuable addition to a CV or resume. Before the competition, Grad Slam participants will be given the opportunity to hone their public speaking skills by attending optional workshops. Those who participate in the SJSU Grad Slam may advance to a regional competition (air fare and hotel provided by the College of Graduate Studies).

Winners will receive cash prizes in the following amounts:

First Place: $1,200
Second Place: $800
Audience Choice: $500

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Must be a matriculated student in a master’s or doctoral degree program at SJSU.
Entrants must apply as individual presenters.

We encourage students in all disciplines to apply for the Grad Slam. Whether you're building a widget, chasing fires, or unearthing discoveries in art history, we want to hear from you.

Apply Here

Competition Format and Presentation Structure

A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any kind; the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration).
No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
No props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum. Competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
Presentations are to be delivered in traditional presentation style.
Presentations are considered to have commenced when presenters start their presentation through movement or speech.
Each presentation will be judged using the rubric here.