Professional Presentation Award
Graduate students presenting original research at conferences or performing or displaying creative work are eligible to receive a Professional Presentation Award (PPA) of $1,000. PPAs are intended to enable graduate students to participate in conferences or events within their discipline in order to present their scholarly and creative work. PPAs are awarded two times each year and are distributed within two months after the application deadline. Suggested use of the funds could help with the following costs: Transportation (airfare, gas, shipping), hotel, conference registration, materials, advertisement, supplies, etc.
The application deadline is in the middle of an award period which allows students to apply who have either already presented their research/creative work or who are planning to within the specified time-period. Approximately one-third of the applicants receive an award.
Students may apply for one of two types of PPAs: research or creative work. This distinction between these award types was made to improve the review process for graduate students that intended to attend a conference or event to present, perform or display their creative work or develop their talents at a workshop in their discipline. Please see the scoring rubrics for each type of award.
The Graduate Student Society (GSS) will notify students when the application is live for both Fall and Winter semesters.
| Term | Presentation Date | Application Open | Applicant Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Jul - Dec | October | Oct 31 at 11:59pm MST |
| Winter | Jan - June | February | March 1 at 11:59pm MST |
Submission of the form after 11:59PM MST the day of the applicable deadline will result in automatic rejection of the application.
The application will be live for approximately one month prior to each semester deadline. The GSS will notify the graduate student body via email and our social media platforms when the application opens for both award periods.
Applications close October 31st at 11:59 PM MST for Fall semester and March 1st at 11:59 PM MST for Winter semester. Students selected to receive the PPA award will be notified shortly thereafter.
There is some criteria you must meet in order to qualify for an PPA:
- Students may only receive one PPA per academic year.
- Students may only submit one application per application period.
- Applicants must be enrolled as a student during the semester they receive the PPA award. If the applicant is not enrolled in a least 2.0 credit hours, the award will not be granted.
- Conferences may be national or international.
- Research must be performed as a graduate student. Graduate students may not submit applications on research performed or presented as an undergraduate.
Students are encouraged to consider the following limitations when applying for an PPA:
- Students who have received Stafford Loan Monies are still eligible; however, receiving an PPA could put them in an "over award" status in which case any refund would be applied directly to the loan thus reducing the amount borrowed. For more details, please see your financial aid counselor.
- Awards are deposited into the student's university account. There are NO exceptions. Any outstanding balances will be paid first. Funds can be accessed by going to the Cashiers Office in the ASB.
Applications are reviewed by an educated, lay audience. Each application is scored based on the following sections:
Describing the Event/Activity
| 5 | Provides a detailed description of the event, including its unique features, and explains why it is particularly significant and relevant to their scholarly or creative work. |
|---|---|
| 4 | Explains why the event was selected and how it relates to their work, with sufficient detail about the event’s purpose and structure. |
| 3 | Gives the name and a brief description of the event, with some relevance to their work mentioned but lacking depth. |
| 2 | Provides only the name of the event or minimal description, with little or no explanation of its importance. |
| 1 | Fails to provide enough information to identify or understand the event, or does not address its significance. |
Describing the Motivation to Attend the Event
| 5 | Clearly connects the aspects of the event to their personal experience, academic program, and specific goal for presenting, performing, or displaying their work, with strong and compelling justification. |
|---|---|
| 4 | Explains how the event’s aspects connect to their personal experience, academic program, or goal for presenting, with relevant and sufficient detail. |
| 3 | Provides a general explanation of their motivation to attend, with some connection to their work or academic background but lacking depth or specificity. |
| 2 | Offers a vague explanation that could apply to any event, with minimal or unclear connections to their specific experience or goals. |
| 1 | The response is limited to a general desire to attend, without any meaningful justification or connection to their work or goals. |
Describing Educational Impact
| 5 | Provides a detailed and specific explanation of how attending the event will enhance their educational experience and positively impact others within their department, program, or community, with clear examples of how knowledge or skills will be shared or applied. |
|---|---|
| 4 | Specifically describes how the event will improve their own educational experience, with examples of personal learning or growth, and provides limited discussion of broader impact on others. |
| 3 | Explains how the event will benefit themselves and others, though the description lacks detail or specificity about the impact or intended application. |
| 2 | Offers a vague or general explanation of how the event will benefit them, with minimal or unclear reference to educational growth or sharing knowledge. |
| 1 | Provides little to no description of how attending the event will enhance their educational experience or benefit others. |
Describing Contribution to the Event
| 5 | Clearly describes their specific role and the significant impact their presentation, performance, or display will have at the event, highlighting how it reflects their academic or creative expertise developed at BYU and extends beyond typical participant contributions. |
|---|---|
| 4 | Explains their significant role at the event, with a clear connection to the knowledge, skills, or expertise gained at BYU, but with limited detail about the broader impact. |
| 3 | Describes a contribution that is more meaningful than the average participant’s involvement, but the explanation lacks depth or clarity about its significance. |
| 2 | Indicates that they will participate in the event but does not explain a contribution beyond basic involvement. |
| 1 | Fails to describe any specific contribution or role at the event. |
Describing Contribution to the Larger Discipline
| 5 | Clearly explains their original work in a way that is understandable to a lay audience and describes how their contribution at the event will significantly impact the wider discipline, with specific examples of potential long-term influence or advancements. |
|---|---|
| 4 | Explains their original work and describes a meaningful impact on the wider field, though the description of the long-term significance or broader influence is somewhat vague or general. |
| 3 | Describes their contribution to the event and briefly connects it to their discipline, but does not address a larger impact or future significance. |
| 2 | Mentions participation in the event, but does not adequately describe how their work relates to or impacts the discipline. |
| 1 | Fails to describe any contribution or potential impact on the wider field of study. |