CSU Grad Slam Competition

Get Ready for Grad Slam 2023!

Can Your Research Make an Impact in 3 Minutes or Less?

Get ready for the first Cal Poly Humboldt and third CSU Grad Slam competition! 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 Humboldts Grad Slam Competition will be held in person in the Goodwin Forum on March 30th from 2-5PM. For students residing outside of Humboldt County who wish to compete virtual accomodations can be made. *Please contact the Office of Graduate Studies to request accomodation. 

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 2023 semester).

Winners: The top three students will recieve a prize of $250 each and the top two students will move onto compete in the National CSU Grad Slam Competition. The audience will vote for one student to recieve the Peoples Choice Award which will recieve an prize of $250. 

Want One-on-One Assistance? Attend Office Hours!

Office hours will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30-4:00PM in the Graduate Studies Office. No appointment is necessary, but for us to be better prepared, you can register here. Email hsugrad@humboldt.edu to schedule appointments via Zoom or outside these hours. 

Mark Your Calendars! Important Grad Slam Dates:

Grad Slam Application Registration Due:

  • February 28th, 2023, 5pm

Participants' slides and picture due to hsugrad@humboldt.edu

  • March 20th, 5pm

Cal Poly Humboldt's 2023 Competition:

  • March 30th, 2023 - Goodwin Forum | time 2pm-5pm

Grad Slam Winner(s) present for Graduate Council:

  • April 3rd 2023 3pm - Zoom

CSU Grad Slam 2023:

  • Virtually on May 5th, 2023

The CSU Grad Slam Competition

Two students from each participating CSU will compete in the statewide Grad Slam Competition vitually. The CSU Grad Slam will be hosted by San Diego State University on Friday May 5th, 2023. Each student wanting to participate in the CSU Grad Slam MUST also participate in the Cal Poly Humboldt Grad Slam Competition. 

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.

Rubric & Judging Criteria