3 Minute Grad Project
A page within Graduate Education
Important Dates
Wednesday, Feb 11 - Information & Prep Session (virtual event)
4:30-5:30 pm
Wednesday, Feb 18 - Applications due
Wednesday, Mar 25 - Live competition (open to the public)
Student Union Theatre, 120 Student Union, at 6:00 pm
Entertainment Cafe, 110 Student Union, Post event reception
Event information
Three Minute Grad Project challenges graduate students to present their grad project in a way that engages a general audience, with strict adherence to the three-minute time limit. Graduate students interested in competing may attend our Info Session online to assist in preparing for the event, or view the 2025 workshop recording.
Students from all UWL graduate programs are eligible to apply to compete. Students will compete in person at the in-person event on campus. UWL students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members will be invited to attend the competition and participate by submitting a vote for the People's Choice Award.
A panel of community judges will evaluate the presentations for content, engagement and communication. The judges will select the top three place-winners.
Competition rules
- UWL graduate students from any of our graduate programs may register to compete. Students enrolled in UWL graduate credits at any time during the academic year of the competition are considered eligible (summer, fall, spring).
- Students must register to compete. Space is limited; competitors will be selected on the basis of year in the program, the number of registrants from the program, and when the application was received. Graduate Program Directors may be asked to help select which students are invited to compete.
- Students may present information related to any graduate paper, project, thesis, or dissertation, even if the project is not completed at the time of competition.
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations, or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the competitor's speech.
- No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video) is permitted.
- No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
- Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum. Exceeding the three-minute maximum will result in disqualification.
- Timing will start when presenter begins speaking or makes a movement to indicate presentation has begun.
- The decision of the judging panel is final.
Judges and judging criteria
2026 Judges
Coming soon.
Judging Criteria
Each competitor will be based on the judging criteria listed below.
Comprehension and Content
- Did the presentation provide an understanding for a general audience of the background and significance of the topic being addressed?
- Did the presentation clearly describe the key results or findings of the project, including conclusions and/or possible outcomes?
- Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
- Did the speaker avoid jargon, explain terminology, and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
- Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation, or did some parts seem either drawn out or too rushed?
Engagement and Communication
- Did the speech make the audience want to know more?
- Was the presenter careful not to either trivialize or overstate the importance of the topic?
- Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their project?
- Did the presentation feel spontaneous and engaging?
- Did the presenter capture and maintain audience attention?
- Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact, and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident presentation style?
- Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation – was it visually engaging, clear, legible, and concise?
Scholarships
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $350
3rd Place: $250
People's Choice: $300
People's Choice: Following the presentations, the audience will be asked to vote for their favorite presentation. The People's Choice Award may be given to any presenter (including participants receiving awards from the official judge panel).
Last year's competition
Support the 3 Minute Grad Project award fund
Graduate students are often living on very limited funding while in school. This is a unique opportunity for a student to gain extra support for their education while providing the public with a glimpse of the exciting work being done on our campus. Join us in supporting this opportunity for UWL graduate students!
- Click the "Give now" button below, to connect with the UWL Foundation website.
- Scroll down and select "Treasure - Make a gift"
- Scroll down to Graduate & Extended Learning
- For Designation select "3 Minute Grad Project"
- *UWL employees can make a single direct contribution (or monthly donations) from their paychecks.