CSU Grad Slam Competition
Blast from the Past: Winners from the 2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Grad Slam!
From Left to Right: Emmet McMahon, Kinesiology (College of Professional Studies); Julie Sorfleet, Environmental Science Management (College of Natural Resources & Sciences); Jasmine Fortunato, Applied English Studies (College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences); Baron Parks, Environment & Community (College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences)
Graduate Programs
Student Resources
Cal Poly Humboldt has many resources to help prepare you for this competition. In addition to the info sessions and office hours, check out these additional resources below.
Academic Career and Advising Center
As part of the competition you will need a professional headshot as well as professional attire. The Career Clothing Closet in Library 28, Monday through Friday, 11am to 1pm, where students can find FREE, gently-used career clothing in a variety of shapes and sizes. Additionally, the ACAC in collaboration with the library often host pop-up professional headshot sessions. For more information, check out the ACAC website.
Writing Support from the Humboldt Writing Studio, Library 1st Floor
The Writing Studio provides free writing support for Humboldt students at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to final touches. Students at all levels and in all majors can benefit from discussing their writing projects with our friendly, trained writing consultants. We offer in-Person and Zoom consultations for live conversations about your writing and email consultations for written feedback. Open Sunday - Friday, day and evening hours.
Scoring Resources
In order to set students up for success, the Office of Graduate Studies is providing the Judging Criteria and Rubric ahead of submissions and competition. Please see each below. Any questions can be directed to hsugrad@humboldt.edu.
2026 Cal Poly Humboldt Grad Slam Competition
2026 Cal Poly Humboldt Grad Slam Competition
Get Ready for Grad Slam 2026!
Can Your Research Make an Impact in 3 Minutes or Less?
Cal Poly Humboldt's Grad Slam celebrates the exciting research conducted by graduate students. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes (or less), in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. For some, it helps to develop an "elevator pitch" for their research. Participation in Grad Slam showcases communication abilities which is an essential skill for any graduate student.
Cal Poly Humboldt’s Grad Slam Competition will be held in person in the Goodwin Forum on April 2nd from 2-4PM. For students residing outside of Humboldt County who wish to compete, virtual accommodations can be made. *Please contact the Office of Graduate Studies to request accommodation.
Eligibility: All active master's students who are conducting independent research or projects, including independent research projects done for a graduate-level class, are eligible to participate in Grad Slam competitions at all levels. Entrants must be current graduate students at the time of the competition (i.e. enrolled in the Spring 2026 semester).
Winners: The top three students will receive a cash prize!
Mark Your Calendars! Important Grad Slam Dates:
Grad Slam Application Registration Due:
- March 27th, 2026, 5pm
Participants' slides and picture due to hsugrad@humboldt.edu
- March 27th, 5pm
Cal Poly Humboldt's 2026 Competition:
- April 2nd, 2026 - Goodwin Forum | time 2pm-4pm
5th Annual CSU-Wide Grad Slam Competition is Canceled!
5th Annual CSU-Wide Grad Slam Competition is Canceled!
2025 Grad Slam is Canceled!
We wish to inform you that the 2025 CPH Grad Slam event, initially slated for April 10th, has been canceled. Moving forward, we would like to acknowledge the tremendous hard work of our graduate students and reaffirm our commitment to celebrating their achievements. We are already discussing next year’s event, with the goal of creating a more vibrant and inclusive celebration that showcases the talent and enthusiasm of all participants.
4th Annual Cal Poly Humboldt Grad Slam Competition
4th Annual Cal Poly Humboldt Grad Slam Competition
Cal Poly Humboldt’s Grad Slam Competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by graduate students. The competition supports students' capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes (or less), in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. For some, it helps to develop an "elevator speech" for their research.
Students presented their research in three minutes or less in front of a live audience. One winner was chosen from each college with a tie for the top winners in the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences. The top two winners from the Cal Poly Humboldt Grad Slam Competition will move on to compete in the CSU-Wide Grad Slam Competition.
Registration
Registration
Registration to participate in the 2026 Cal Poly Humboldt Grad Slam Competition is open until March 27st. Please use this link to register.
Eligibility
Eligibility
All active master's and doctoral students who are conducting independent research or projects, including independent research projects done for a graduate-level class, are eligible to participate in Grad Slam competitions at all levels. Entrants must be current graduate students at the time of the competition (i.e. enrolled in the Spring 2026 semester).
Group projects or group research are not eligible for submission and/or presentation in Grad Slam competitions. All projects and/or research must be conducted independently by the student applicant.
Fall 2025 graduates are not eligible to participate in Grad Slam 2026.
Cash Prizes!
Cash Prizes!
1st place: $300
2nd place: $200
3rd place: $100
Workshops
Workshops
Participating students are invited to attend an optional, drop in workshop over Zoom with Faculty Graduate Fellow and Professor of Psychology, Carrie Aigner on March 25th from 10:30-12. Students will get tips and resources for developing their presentations and receive feedback. Students do not have to have their presentations completed in order to attend.
2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Grad Slam Winners
2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Grad Slam Winners
College of Arts Humanities and Social Science Winners
College of Natural Resources & Sciences Winner
College of Professional Studies Winner
Past Winners
Past Winners
2023 College of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences Winner
2023 College of Natural Resources & Sciences Winner
2023 College of Professional Studies Winner
2023 Grad Slam Award Winner
2023 People's Choice Winner