Annual Research Conference

̨��swag’s Annual Research Conference is an opportunity for students from all disciplines and campuses to showcase their research and creative activities through the use of poster sessions, performance pieces, and panel presentations. The event is hosted by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities every spring semester.

Where will the Annual Research Conference take place?

The 30th Annual Research Conference will be held on the Dahlonega Campus, Cottrell Center on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Who can participate?

The Annual Research Conference is open to all disciplines and campuses, as well as, undergraduate and graduate students. Have an art piece you would like to present? Been working on a research project? How about a musical performance? All are welcome!

How can I apply?

̨��swag undergraduate and graduate students will submit a 250-word abstract by February 14, 2025 to the conference portal. Abstract submissions will open for ARC 2025 in late December 2024.

Best Presentation Prize for completed essays/posters:

This year, awards will be given on the basis of a student’s completed essay/poster file. Students who would like to be considered in the awards section of the conference should upload their complete essay or poster file as a discussion to their submission by March 5, 2025. Please access your submission and add the attachment as a discussion. Title the discussion “Best Presentation Award for ARC”, include text in the message, and upload the attachment as a manuscript. Any questions, please email CURCA@ung.edu.

Abstract Tips

Your abstract will be 250-words and include the following information:

Big picture problem or topic widely debated in your field
Gap in the literature on this topic and how your project is filling the gap
Give important details covered in your paper/project
Your original argument

Workshops

CURCA will hold two workshops via the Zoom Meeting software (room: ) to help students prepare for the conference.

Abstract Workshop: February 5, 2025 at noon
Presentation Workshop: March 5, 2025 at noon

Past Workshop Videos

Submission Instructions

To Submit Your Abstract
Create/Register your account with

Select the “Start Submission” button on the front page.

Select if your presentation will be an oral or poster presentation or musical/visual performance on page 1.

Read and agree to the certifications and terms on page 1.

Upload a Microsoft Word or PDF file of your 250-word abstract and title on page 2.

Add the Metadata such as title, abstract, mentor, and any co-applicants on page 3.

Agree to the digital certifications that there is no competition, then hit submit on page 4.

Note: We also welcome panel proposals, where students suggest an entire panel of linked presentations and should submit individual abstracts. When submitting an abstract, students will add a comment in the “Comments to the Editor” text box on submission page 1. They should explain what panel they are part of and include fellow students’ names presenting in the same panel (e.g. I am a part of the Lost Worlds Panel and will be paneling with Jane Doe and John Doe). The conference administrators will then note to panel the accepted presentations together.

History of ̨��swag’s Annual Research Conference

In 1993, North Georgia College held an event called the "Honors Day Academic Olympics". In 1996, North Georgia College was renamed North Georgia College and State University, and the honors program underwent several minor adjustments. To expand the event to include all disciplines, all campuses, and all university students (undergraduate or graduate), the event was renamed to "Annual Research Conference" from then onward.