The Graduate Showcase is a modification of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition,
created by the University of Queensland in 2008, in which graduate students are challenged
to summarize their research with only three minutes and one slide, to a general audience.
The competition was developed to help graduate students improve their oral communication
skills.
This is an incredibly exciting event and truly the cornerstone of our Graduate Student Appreciation Week. We encourage all graduate students to participate or attend!
3-Minute Competition
Thursday, April 10th, 6 p.m., Whitton Auditorium, Carroll Hall
You have three minutes and one slide...think you have what it takes?
This contest, first developed by the University of Queensland in 2008, challenges
graduate students to summarize their research/project/passion within three minutes
to a general audience which helps students improve their oral communication skills.
Prizes: in-person Thursday session: cash prizes will be awarded to first place ($300), second
place ($150), and to a “People’s Choice” winner chosen by audience members ($150).
For the online Wednesday session, one “People’s Choice” winner will be chosen by audience
members ($150).
PowerPoint Slide Deadline: 2026 coming soon!
Practice Sessions: practice sessions will be available to those who register and will be communicated
ahead of time.
Group Poster Competition
Thursday, April 10th, 5 p.m., Whitton Auditorium, Carroll Hall
Groups of two or more graduate students are challenged to summarize their group research
within the confines of a 30”x40” poster for presentation to a general audience.
Prizes: cash prizes ($100) will be awarded to each member of the “People’s Choice” winning
group, as chosen by audience members
Poster Deadline: 2026 coming soon!
Thank you to our 2025 3MGS Judges!
We greatly appreciate the time, feedback, and expertise of our 3MGS final contest
judges.
Lee Clark, Learning Designer, Office of Online Learning
Sherry Hoyle, Program Director & Assocate Professor, Educational Leadership
April Mustian, Program Director & Professor, Special Education
Only a single, static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations,
or movement of any description.
No additional electronic media (i.e. sound or video files).
No additional props (i.e. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment).
Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum; competitors exceeding three minutes
will be disqualified.
The use of notes or cue cards are not permitted during the finals; however, they can
be used during practice sessions as needed.
Presentations are to be delivered via spoken word (i.e. no poems, raps, or songs).
The decision of the panel of judges, for first and second place,.is final.
Presentations will be recorded and may be shared on the WU Graduate Studies website
and through other media platforms.
Posters may be retained by Graduate Studies for use in promotions or other events.
Online 3MGS sessions:
Contestants will be held to the same standards of the in-person contestants.
Pre-recorded presentations are NOT permitted.
Presenters will need to be live during the session and during their three minute presentation
will need to have most or all of their body visible within the camera frame.
Only a single, static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations,
or movement of any description.
No additional electronic media (i.e. sound or video files).
No additional props (i.e. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment).
Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum; competitors exceeding three minutes
will be disqualified.
The use of notes or cue cards are not permitted during the finals; however, they can
be used during practice sessions as needed.
Presentations are to be delivered via spoken word (i.e. no poems, raps, or songs).
Presentations will be recorded and may be shared on the WU Graduate Studies website
and through other media platforms.
“People's Choice” winners will be decided by the audience during the poster session
and at the end of the 3MGS competition via online voting system.
A preselected panel of judges will determine the first and second place winners of
the 3MGS.
Judges will not be privvy to the audience selection for People's Choice winner so
it is possible that the same contestant may win two of the awards. Judges will only
be consulted in the event of a tie during the audience vote.
Judges will evaluate competitors on these general categories:
ORAL PRESENTATION - 40 points possible
Comprehension & Content
clear starting problem or question
clear description of the processes used, or research conducted
clear description of the conclusions, outcomes, and/or impact
call to action or description of future steps
Engagement & Communication
oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist
audience
enthusiasm was conveyed for their work
the presenter captured and maintained the audience’s attention
conveyed a reason to care about the premise
POWERPOINT SLIDE - 10 points possible
well-defined and enhanced presentation with graphics and pictures; any text is sparse
and legible
visible, readable and understandable from the back of the room
