CAST Three Minute Thesis Competition

Apply to Compete

To apply, email CAST Executive Associate Dean the following information:

• Your name and email address
• Title of your thesis
• Department or School
• Name and email of your thesis chair

The number of applicants we can accept is limited and will be based on order in which we receive applications.

Eligibility

Any currently enrolled Illinois State graduate student can participate with a thesis, non-thesis project, or dissertation. Your research does not to be completed to participate.

Competition Rules

Your presentation must:

• Include a single, static PowerPoint slide shown from the beginning of your oration.
• Be three minutes. Anything over will be disqualified. Your time starts when you begin speaking or make movement.
• Be spoken (no poems, raps, or songs).
• Start from the stage.

These items are not allowed in the competition:

• Slide transitions, animations, or movement
• Electronic media, such as sound and video files
• Props, such as costumes, music, and laboratory equipment

Judging Criteria

The judging panel's decision is final.

Student presentations will be reviewed by members of the CAST Research Committee (CRC). The presentations will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Comprehension and Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker avoid scientific 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 they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement and Communication

• Did the presentation make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation? Was it clear, legible, and concise?
• The decision of the judging panel is final.

Rankings

All entries will be ranked. The two highest ranking students will serve as the CAST representatives for the university level competition. The first place recipient of the CAST competition will receive a plaque acknowledging the award. The CRC may choose not to have College representatives for the University competition.

Address the following issues in the letters:

• The quality and validity of the research
• The importance of the research to the discipline
• The student's level of participation in the project
• Any presentations/publications which have come from the project

University Level Competition

The winning student(s) at the College level will be required to give their presentation at the University level competition. The winning student at the University level will then compete at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) competition. The Graduate School will pay for the costs associated with the MAGS competition.

Past Winners

View past CAST Three-Minute Thesis Award Winners