Whitman Undergraduate Conference
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Welcome to the 27th annual Whitman Undergraduate Conference, a celebration of the scholarship, critical thinking, self-driven exploration and creativity of Whitman students.
Built into the Spring semester academic calendar, this is a day when all students are released from their regularly scheduled class obligations in order to attend the conference. The conference is a showcase of student-centered research shared via a program of posters, presentations, performances and panel discussions.
While there is some flexibility in the kinds and lengths of presentations possible, here is a guide to help you understand the different options available:
A student or group of students create a large poster describing their topic; the poster is mounted on a panel, the panels are collected together in a large space (e.g., the Reid ballroom), visitors walk along aisles of posters, read them and ask questions of students as they stand near their posters. This event usually lasts around one hour, with dozens of posters and hundreds of visitors strolling through.
An individual piece of art (e.g. painting, sculpture) may also be displayed in this venue.
A student prepares a slide deck or notes about their topic and presents it to a classroom of visitors. Typically, a presentation is about 10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions and answers. There will be an additional 5 min transition time between each presentation and the following presentation or performance.
A student or group of students will perform a musical or dance piece. Typically, a performance is about 10 minutes with 5 minutes for an introduction and/or questions & answers. There will be an additional 5 min transition time between each performance and the following presentation or performance.
Block Schedule
- Presentations: 9–10:15 a.m.
- Morning break: 10:15–10:45 a.m.
- Snacks available in Maxey Hall, Olin Hall and the Hall of Science
- String Ensemble performing in the Science Building atrium
- Presentations: 10:45 a.m.–noon
- Lunch break: Noon–1:15 p.m.
- Grab lunch on your own
- Jazz Ensemble I performing in Cleveland Commons (weather permitting) or Reid Campus Center (rain location)
- Poster session: 1:15–2:15 p.m., Penrose Library
- Afternoon break: 2:15–2:45 p.m.
- Snacks available in Maxey Hall, Olin Hall and the Hall of Science
- Chorale Ensemble performing in the Science Building atrium
- Presentations: 2:45–4 p.m.