"Say it in 6" winners

Our 2025 "Say it in 6" competition featured 73 graduate student entries from 19 graduate programs! Grab a cup of coffee and scroll through these interesting and thoughtful contributions. 

Communication in the 21st century relies heavily on visual messaging. Inspired by the Say it in 6 competition at Purdue University, UWL established its own Say it in 6 competition to help graduate students develop their communication skills. The competition requires contributions limited to six words and a single, impactful image. Each entry should connect to the competition theme, and to the student's field of study. 

The UWL Strategic Plan includes a pillar focused on The Driftless Difference - UWL's distinctive institutional identity. It inspires excellence and welcomes community engagement.

The Driftless Difference is the perfect theme for our 2026 competition. 

What does The Driftless Difference mean to you and your graduate education? Is it the connections you have made with other students, online or on campus? A project that has challenged you or changed the way you see your field? A faculty member who helped you thrive? Is it the inspiration you draw from the Driftless Region or the communities around you?

Show us and tell us what makes your graduate education uniquely UWL. What is your Driftless Difference?

• Competition opens - Monday, October 12, 2026
• Submission deadline - Monday, November 2, 2026
• Online voting open - Friday, November 6 - Wednesday, November 11, 2026
• Winners announced - Monday, November 16, 2026

Entries must include:

1. An original image. This can be your own photography or a photograph of your original artwork. A student may use a photo of themselves, with photographer permission. Photo collages are discouraged, because in general a single image is more impactful.
2. An original statement of exactly six words, embedded within the image file.

• A hyphenated word counts as two words, but common acronyms will be treated as one word (e.g. UWL, ASAP).
• If using hashtags, each word following # will be counted (i.e., #willbecounted would count as 3 words).

Incorrectly sized submissions will not be accepted. (See below for how to create your entry). Only one entry is permitted per individual. 

In addition to the requirements indicated above, Graduate & Extended Learning reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not meet university code of conduct standards (e.g., use of hateful, violent, attacking language/images; violation of FERPA or HIPAA protections; depictions of safety violations; plagiarism). Entries must reflect an appropriate level of professionalism in language and images as appropriate to promoting higher education and a state organization (e.g., correct spelling, clean language, non-sexualized images, etc.).

If you don't regularly use graphics software, we recommend this approach:

• To get started, use a blank PowerPoint slide
  • For correct sizing, in Powerpoint select - Design > Slide size > Widescreen (16:9)
• Create your submission
  • Include your image/s and six words. 
  • Images must be 5.0 MB or higher quality; maximum file size is 16.0 MB. If your file is too big save it at lower resolution.
• Save your entry
  • When you are finished, save the PowerPoint slide as a JPEG. Include your name as part of the file name. 
  • This JPEG will serve as your entry.
• Submit your entry
  
  • One submission allowed per person
  • Entries must be submitted via the link on the website 
  • Be sure that your name is part of the file name you submit!

After the submission deadline, all entries will be viewable on the Graduate & Extended Learning website.

Judging Criteria

Originality & Creativity

• Overall professional appearance
• Unique or surprising
• Effective connection to theme

Storytelling & Impact

• Captures viewer's attention
• Tell a stimulating, moving, or memorable story
• Connects in some way to your field of study
• Words and image work together to create a message