Students to present papers, posters at convention

As a unique opportunity for students all over the Great Plains to showcase their work in psychology, the annual Great Plains Psychology Convention will take place from 1 p.m. March 14 through 1 p.m. March 15 at Emporia State.

“The university is hosting the Great Plains Students’ Psychology Convention,” said Ken Weaver, chair of the psychology department. This is the 28th annual convention; it was started at Emporia State.”

The convention takes place each year and various universities take turns hosting the large event. This year’s convention is expected to have at least 400 student and faculty participants. This year’s convention will be planned and hosted entirely by ESU psychology students.

“What sets Emporia State’s convention apart from the others is that it is completely planned and run by students,” Weaver said. “An eight-student planning committee is doing the work. There is a faculty member supporting each student’s efforts.”

The eight-student planning committee has dedicated many hours to preparing ESU to host such a large and prestigious event. Students began by recruiting volunteers from around the university to help with a variety of tasks.

The committee also arranged for training sessions for moderators to introduce each presentation. They have also completed such responsibilities as drawing up and printing award certificates.

Although the amount of work done prior to the event has been great, the student committee expects an even greater work load during and after the convention.

“Most of my duties will not be finished until the conference is over,” said Cassandra Young, senior psychology major and convention planning committee member.

“I will have to tally scores and print out certificates for participants and award winners on Friday night and Saturday after presentations and scores have been completed and tallied.”

The 400 convention participants will come from 30 colleges and universities throughout the Great Plains region to participate. The students will be presenting papers and projects to both their peers and faculty. The faculty will judge the students work.

The students will also receive constructive criticism from the judges to work on improving their research for later presentations. The ultimate goal of the convention is to provide students with an environment to improve their professional skills.

“The purpose of the convention is to provide an opportunity for students’ professional development through their presenting papers and posters to their peers and to faculty,” Weaver said.

Students are required to register for the conference prior to attending and the cost is 15 dollars per student. Students who wish to showcase their papers and projects must complete a submission form and students are asked to submit early so that their papers may be reviewed and accepted into the convention.

Students who are presenting are asked to show up at the right time and place to their presentation destinations. No dress code is required as students are asked to dress in whatever is comfortable.

There will also be an awards luncheon following the presentations on Saturday. All participants are encouraged to attend the luncheon where awards will be given to the highest level of student presenters.

Students who attend the Great Plains Psychology Convention can expect to have an enjoyable experience meeting and connecting with their peers while learning a great deal about their subject matter.

“Students should have fun with their presentations and use the event as a learning experience” said Tyler Miller, senior psychology major and head of the student planning committee.