UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AWARD PROGRAM (URAP)

POSTER PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION GUIDELINES(04/03/2012)

Below are some poster guidelines and printing tips. Please review all 4 pages. If you need help, clarification, or just have questions feel free to call (541) 737-2689 .

GUIDELINES

1.Include details and arrange your posterto tell a coherent and straight-forward story that walks the viewer through the process of your research project. The poster should be able to stand alone and not require someone to narrate. Emphasize the most important points and avoid overwhelming the viewer with too much detail. Consider these suggestions:

Introduction: Summarize the background that led to this work, identify the purpose or specific aims of the present experiment/research, and identify the questions asked or hypothesis(es) tested.

Provide detailsabout the experimentaldesign and the methodstaken to do the work. Includethe number and description/demographics of the human or animal subjectsand/or location of activities.

Results can be effectively presented by tables, figures, illustrations and/or photographs. Allow each to stand on its own so the viewer doesn't have to refer elsewhere on the poster to understand the important points. For each table, figure, graph etc., provide a concise statement with the essential points.

Summary and Conclusion: Use one or two paragraphs to highlight the importance of the outcomes, make comparisons to other research in this area, describe any unexpected findings, point out possible next steps, consider how the results of this project may contribute to knowledge or science.

Acknowledgment: Identify individuals who have contributed to your project.

2.Posters should include a few graphic elements such as tables, figures, illustrations, photographs, and/or LEGENDS. Choose large type or print font sizes that can be viewed from about 3 feet away. One example that works well: a Times font in 18 point that results in 11 characters and spaces per horizontal inch, and 4 lines per vertical inch.

3.In addition to the need for large and dark lettering (see #2 above), please consider:

Keep graphics such as tables and figures simple and uncluttered.

Strong visual contrast is a must. Many people have difficulty distinguishing closely related colors, like green from blue, or among subtle shades of a primary color, particularly against incompatible background colors. Up to 10% of the people who view your work will have some degree of color blindness.

Most graphic software programs have innumerable options for color and symbol shape. Although many are terrific options, it may also be the case that other choices, which look reasonable on your computer screen, will be ineffective when printed. Depending on your specific needs, don't forget that there is much to be said for using large and unique symbols or shading patterns to distinguish groups and conditions, with a more sparing use of color to make these distinctions.

4.Please use your space. As a standard for the OSU Celebration of Undergraduate Excellence, they ask that you keep your project space less than 4’ x 4’. When applying you will be given threeoptions to present your project. Please select the 4’ x 4’ wall display board for your poster. If you require additional size options such as also wanting table or floor space, please make early arrangements.

(1) Poster (to be displayed on easel or wall)

(2)Poster plus table space (for 3D items in addition to your poster)

(3) 4’of table space (you provide a free standing display placed on a table)

(4) 4’ x 4’ display space on the floor

5. Schedule time to practice what you will say as you present your poster. Your faculty mentor is an excellent resource for tips on how to create a successful poster presentation! Ask your faculty mentor or a friend to listen and provide constructive feedback. Consider who your audience will be and how long your presentation should last as you describe your project to visitors. Briefly describe each section of your poster: purpose, research question(s), methods used, results, the larger impact or outcome of this project.

  • Most people will not be familiar with the subject of your research project. Explain your project so that a wide audience will be able to understand.
  • You should be able to thoroughly explain your research in about 5 minutes.
  • You should also be prepared to answer questions!

PRINT A HARDCOPY OF YOUR POSTER FOR FREE

OSU Student Multimedia Center in the Valley Library

541-737-3332

Location:

The OSU Student Multimedia Center Desk is located at the Information Commons Area - 2nd floor of the Library. Also, on the 4th floor you may purchase additional services for printing, and studio spaces if needed.

SMS Hours

Monday-Thursday

7:30am - 11:00pm

SMS Hours

Monday-Thursday

7:30am - 11:00pm

Website:

Poster Info:

  • For this service, students must be the primary authors.
  • Students may order one printed poster per assignment per class free of charge.
  • Turnaround time for the production of a poster is 48 hours. There is no production on weekends and official OSU holidays. Rush orders may be available for an additional $50 fee, but please do not rely on this.
  • Lamination is available for $10.
  • Additional prints can be ordered for a fee.
  • Standard paper is used, unless otherwise specified. You may use other paper, but there is a fee.
  • The smaller dimension (length/ width) of a poster must not exceed 36". The other dimension may be larger, up to 48”.
  • Posters must have a ½ inch border.
  • Formats: Microsoft PowerPoint, Publisher, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign. Please submit the poster in its native format.
  • If the poster is created in any other format, please change it to a PDF, TIF, or JPG format before submitting.
  • They will not print pixilated pictures and photos must be at exact resolution.
  • Logos associated with OSU must be an official OSU graphic. The poster template has been designed with the OSU logo and tag in place. Additionally, if you are using a logo associated with a partner organization, you must send a copy of that logo along with the poster file. As you use the poster template, feel free to insert photos, figures, tables, charts, etc., but please do not modify the template logo, background color scheme or font colors)
  • Here is a link for the OSU Logo:
  • Blue can print differently than it may appear on your monitor. If color is an issue, please have color sample ready just in case to match specific colors
  • Need help? The Student Multimedia Center staff is willing to help you with your poster. Call to set up a meeting time. They may be reached at 541-737-3332
  • There are 2 ways to ‘send’ your file to the Student Multimedia Center: 1) You may send the file via email: nd include your name in the file; or 2) drop off a thumb drive to the 2nd floor Student Media Center desk; if your thumb drive is rather full, you will need to wait at their desk while they conduct a virus scan and select the specific file. Whether you send the file via email or drop off via thumb drive, make sure you provide all of the following information:
  • Name
  • OSU ID#
  • Phone#
  • OSU Course Number: CPHHS URAP
  • Instructor Name (faculty mentor name)
  • Desired poster printed size:36” x __”
  • Lamination (optional at $10 fee): YES or NO
  • Anticipated pick-up date/time (allow 48 hours M-F not weekend or holidays)
  • You must have an OSU ID to pick up posters.

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