GENERAL INFORMATION
Description
The Celebration of Student Scholarship (COSS) is an annual day-long, campus-wide research symposium that highlights the scholarly work carried out by students as creative activity, scholarship, or research conducted under the guidance of a faculty or staff mentor. COSS is an interactive, in-person event. Presenters requesting a virtual presentation option should email cossscholar@cord.edu.
Mission
COSS provides Concordia students from all disciplines and levels of experience the opportunity to present high-quality research, scholarship, and creative works in a public venue; to connect with alumni; and to explore the intersections of research, vocation, and career preparation. COSS invites the campus and broader community to engage with student presenters as they showcase their achievements.
Dates
Deadline for Opting into Competition
13 March 2024
Deadline to Submit Competition Video Abstract
17 April 2024
COSS Day
17 April 2024
Locations
Registration, Poster Sessions, Awards, Hospitality
Knutson Center Centrum
Concurrent Sessions
Morrie Jones A/B, C/D
ISC 201, 260, 301
Olin 124
PREPARING FOR COSS
Abstract Guidelines
Abstracts should be informative and must include the following information within 250 words:
- significance, framework, or problem that the topic addresses,
- thesis, argument, or hypothesis,
- brief research process or methods, and
- results or anticipated results.
For tips, click here –> Writing Abstracts
Attire
Business casual
Resources
The Carl B Library has a LibGuide just for COSS with helpful information for creating, citing, and recording presentations of various formats. You may also email cossscholar@cord.edu if you need assistance.
Students are not expected to pay out of pocket to print posters. Ask your mentor(s) if their department or program is able to provide a FOAP to print your poster at the campus Print Shop (cost is ~$20 for 48-in wide poster). If the department or program is unable to cover the cost of poster printing, email the PPT of your poster to cossscholar@cord.edu no later than 9 April 2024.
Preparing Your Presentation Content
For each type of presentation, include the following key elements:
- Introduction of presenters – names and majors.
- Context of the research or creative scholarship – what got you interested in the project? Was it part of a class? Summer?
- Content – describe the research or creative activity, incorporating any PPT slides, performance clips, digital media, or art that is part of your work. Taylor your presentation to a broad audience.
- Conclusion – restate the main points and invite the audience to ask questions.
Spend time practicing your presentation and ask peers and mentors for feedback. Make sure you are prepared to meet the presentation length expectations.
ACCOLADES
Back this year is the opportunity for presenters to opt into a competition!
There are two competition categories: poster session and concurrent session.
All projects are eligible to compete.
Competitors must indicate they are opting into the competition by emailing the title of their presentation to cossscholar@cord.edu by 13 March 2024.
Competitors must submit a 2-3 minute video abstract of their presentation highlighting each aspect of the abstract listed in the abstract guidelines. The deadline to submit the video abstract is 17 April 2024.
On COSS day, a jury will evaluate the poster and concurrent sessions using a rubric for each session type.
The top presentation from each category will win $100. At least three presentations from each category must be entered in order for a prize to be awarded in that category.
Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship
The Showcase is an online collection of exemplary student works presented at COSS and other venues.
- Faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to nominate stellar presentations of any format for the Showcase.
- Nominated students will be contacted by staff from Concordia Archives with details about how to submit.
- Use the links below to learn more about the Showcase and to view examples of student works in the Showcase.
- The nominations window is 17 – 30 April.
- To submit a nomination, email archives@cord.edu with the presentation number or title and presenter name(s).
Show your mentor some appreciation! COSS invites all presenters to nominate their mentor for the 2024 COSS Mentor of the Year Award, which will be announced during COSS 2024 before Poster Session 2.
The recipient of the Mentor of the Year Award should embody outstanding mentorship of one or more students presenting at COSS 2024. Evidence of excellent mentoring can take many forms and be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including:
- Being a resource for students, guiding them, and providing support throughout the project
- Facilitating students’ academic and professional growth, encouraging independence, and creating a positive learning environment
- Supporting students as whole individuals, engaging with them in meaningful and encouraging ways throughout their project
- Other ways your mentor deserves the Mentor of the Year Award.
COSS GAMES, PRIZES, AND ASSIGNMENTS
COSS QUEST
Look for COSS Quest cards around campus before and during COSS! Scan the QR code and answer the question that appears. Winners will be randomly selected from correct responses. There will be plenty of chances to win on COSS day, but you can also play as soon as cards appear around campus.
COSS PASSPORT
All attendees can pick up a Passport from the welcome tables. Earn stamps by attending COSS sessions and visiting Passport stops in the atrium. Stamps earn chances to win prizes. Some instructors may be using the COSS Passport as an assignment or for extra credit – ask!
Preview the 2024 COSS Passport Response Assignment Form
The Passport includes a link to a form where you can submit session responses and upload pictures.
SOCIAL MEDIA PRIZE
Be a COSS influencer! A special award will be given to the person who best articulates in an Instagram post at least one meaningful transferable skill gained from an internship experience. Be sure to use #COSS2024 and #cordmn in your post!
COSS DAY
Poster Session Presenters
Note the poster session you have been assigned. At least one poster author must be at each poster during the entire poster session.
- Session 1 set up time: 8:00 – 8:45 a.m.
- Session 1 take-down time: 10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Session 2 set up time: 12:05-3:15 p.m.
- Session 2 take-down time: 5:00 p.m.
Presenters may bring their posters to the Centrum Tuesday, 16 April between 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. to store overnight. Last pick-up time for all posters is 5:15 p.m. COSS Day.
Easels, poster boards, and clips will be set up and ready for your printed poster (standard size = 48 in wide x 36 in tall).
Students are not expected to pay out of pocket to print their poster. Ask your mentor’s department or program if they are able to provide a FOAP to have your poster printed at the campus Print Shop (cost is ~$20 for 48-in wide poster). If the department or program is unable to cover the cost of poster printing, email cossscholar@cord.edu with your poster PPT by noon on 12 April 2024.
After COSS, display your poster proudly in your home department or program area!
Concurrent Session Presenters
Note the time and room that you have been assigned to give your presentation.
If you will be using PPT or other visuals, bring them on a flash drive to your assigned room 10 minutes prior to the start of your concurrent session (not the start of your talk) so that all presentation materials can be loaded on the computer prior to the first presentation of the session.
Do not count on logging into the computer to retrieve your presentation from a cloud source.
Some in-person attendees may wish to stream your presentation to audience members attending virtually.
Session moderators will help you set up, will announce your talk, keep the session on time, and facilitate audience questions.
