Creating a Competitive Application for (EL) : Experiential Learning, Engaged Learners

(EL) 2 : Experiential Learning, Engaged Learners What is (EL) 2 ? A Brandeis Symposium on Experiential Learning Spotlighting Undergraduate Students’ Exploration, Discovery and Innovation All majors All years Panel and poster presentations The only campus-wide intellectual symposium open to everyone

Why Present at (EL) 2 A great opportunity to:  Present your work to the Brandeis community  Network with faculty and others  Practice your ‘elevator speech’  Learn about other great student projects happening at Brandeis

What Do You Want to Tell the Brandeis Community? The Selection Committee wants to know:  what you learned  whether or not the project helped clarify your academic goals or post graduate plans  and what might be the next steps for both you and your project Students want to know:  how you found your project  and any advice you might have for them

Panel & Poster Presentations Students can apply to present their experiences in a panel or poster session. As there are a limited number of panels the process will be competitive. The Selection Committee will choose the panelists it believes will give the best presentations, of interest to the widest audience, on the basis of what is submitted in your application.

Increase Your Chances: Panel AND Poster Presentations Consider applying as a panel presenter AND a poster presenter. – Increase your chances of presenting – Share your knowledge with more audiences Try not to limit your 'outlets' for sharing your knowledge and experience. Think “outside the box” of how you can present yourself.

Individual or Group? If you’re applying as a group, apply to be a panel AND a poster presenter. Members can take turns either speaking on the panel or talking to others at the poster.

Answering the Application Questions Be concise and clear Some questions have multiple parts; be sure to answer each one If it helps, make a draft first and review a few times before turning it in Emphasize why the project is important to you and/or the community Tell us what you’d be sharing in the panel/poster presentation

Answering the Application Questions Don’t be afraid to convey how unique or special your project is. Respectfully brag about what you did and what you learned. This will motivate others to want to have a similar experience. What other accomplishments do you have? Other experiences that relate? Attach photos or a resume, something to help us get a bigger picture of you and/or your work

Your Project Description All applications require a project description or ‘abstract’. Remember, this description is what will bring people to your panel or poster presentation! Aside from the brief overview of the project, in your description tell us: – what you accomplished – why the project is important to you and/or the community (e.g., scientific, business, local, etc.) – what you learned

Your Project Description Your project synopsis will be printed in the program—forever! Make sure your project description summary: Uses proper grammar and spelling Uses terms that are clear and understandable to the general public Includes a short explanation of anything that might be unfamiliar to those who are not "insiders" (limit jargon)

Choosing a Conference Mentor Every presenter is required to have a Conference Mentor who will help him/her prepare for the presentation in March. If you have someone in mind who may be familiar with your project, you may list that person. If you can’t name someone, we will connect you with a faculty or staff member whose interests complement your project.

Good Luck! Good luck! When you're ready to apply, click here. here We look forward to having you present on March 18 th, Questions: (EL) 2 website Keyword: Experiential Audra Grady,