FAQs
If any of your questions are not answered here, email ideafest@usd.edu.
Q: Who can present at IdeaFest?
We invite research and creative scholarship projects from all disciplines and encourage both graduate and undergraduate students to submit work as long as it has an original, scholarly aspect to it. IdeaFest supports both curricular and co-curricular projects; however, for all submissions, students must be performing their work under the guidance of a faculty or staff mentor who can speak to the quality of the project. Students may present work they are doing on faculty research as well as their own research under the supervision of their mentor.
Q: I am still in the early stages of my research and do not have results. Can I still apply?
Yes. Students may present research that is ongoing. It is perfectly acceptable to share preliminary results or anticipated findings for your presentation.
Q: Can I present research I did with a faculty mentor who is not from USD?
Yes. You are welcome to apply if you are a current full-time USD student, regardless of where you performed your research. If you did your project at another institution, it is still your responsibility to make sure that the mentor you worked with approves your abstract submission.
Q: How long should my presentation be?
Oral presentations should be 10-15 minutes. Poster presentations will be held in two-hour blocks.
Q: Do I need to print a poster for my presentation?
USD Creative Services can print posters for a fee. For information about creating an effective poster for presentations visit the Creative Services page on the portal.
To order your poster go to Order a poster and complete the form.
Due to the high volume of requests, you must submit your final copy to Creative Services by March 18, 2023. The office is located in Slagle Hall Room 12.
Contact Andy Lemrick for additional information: Andy.Lemrick@usd.edu.
Q: I would like to present, but I am really scared of public speaking. Do you have any resources for me?
It can be very scary to engage in public speaking. To help with communication apprehension, USD has committed resources in the Presentation Center (located in ID Weeks Library room 134A) to aid you in researching, writing, crafting, and delivering presentations. To schedule an appointment, please find contact information here.
Q: I want to view a friend or family member's presentation, how will I know what time to view their presentation?
A full schedule of events will be available and attendees will have access to attending sessions during the two day event.
Q: Can I invite friends, family, or others to view my presentation?
Yes. The event is open to the public. You will be able to share your session information with others.