Poster sessions are frequently used as a means to convey information in a brief format in classrooms, conferences and symposia, and workshops. Designing effective poster presentations is an art unto itself. This guide provides resources to make the process easier.

"It takes intelligence, even brilliance, to condense and focus information into a clear, simple presentation that will be read and remembered." Mary Helen Briscoe

Posters provide a mechanism to facilitate the rapid communication of ideas. The poster presentation is NOT the pasting of a scholarly article on poster board or foam-core and standing by to defend the results reproduced in miniature on the "poster." 

The poster presentation should represent a “...well-designed, eye-catching, and engaging... display of research or scientific information.” The poster should convey the results of scholarly activity, why it is significant and/or original, and highlight the scholarly contributions of the student presenter(s).

Included below are a collection of guidelines and tips for preparing and delivering your poster presentation during Student Scholars Day. It is crucial that these guidelines are followed closely to avoid any problems on the day of the event.

Poster Guidelines

You should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Posters must be 4 feet wide by 3 feet in height (48” x 36”).
• Include the presentation's QR Code on the poster.
  • To download the image, go to the SSD registration system. Log in. On the upper right, you can select “Presentations”. Click on “View this presentation” and then scroll to the bottom.
• For presentations involving Human Subjects and/or Animal Research, include this statement on your poster: This project has been approved by Grand Valley State University’s {HRRC or IACUC}, {approval number}, {expiration date}
• Easels, backboards, pushpins or clips will be provided to affix your poster on the day of the event. 
• Poster must be set up by 8:45 a.m. on the day of the event and must be taken down beginning at 5:00 p.m.
• Any posters left up after we complete tear-down beginning at 5:00 p.m. will be taken to 230 LIB and held for one week before disposal.

HOW TO CONSTRUCT A RESEARCH POSTER

There are several different ways to prepare a poster presentation. Each academic discipline will have its own set of standards that you should follow. Contact your faculty mentor to ensure that you are following the correct format.

• Use figures and pictures to tell your story
• Minimize the amount of text and use a large enough font for viewers to read your poster from 6 feet away. Ideally you should use less than 800 words and avoid large blocks of text
• Organize material in a logical progression
• Clearly state your working hypothesis and include important data and conclusions
• Start early and revise your poster often. Work with your faculty member through several rough drafts before finalizing your poster

HOW TO CONSTRUCT A RESEARCH POSTER (IN YOUR DISCIPLINE)  

The OURS Student Ambassadors have each made a video about how they construct a research poster in their discipline. You can select the most relevant discipline to you and watch the video to help you with creating your research poster for Student Scholars Day! 

Printing Tips

These tips are for using the plotter. The plotter is located in the Copy Center in the basement of the Marketplace. The cost to use the plotter is $25.00 which covers the cost of one print. This cost must be paid by each presenter or faculty mentor (or the department).

Please visit the Copy Center website for more information on printing requirements. 

• The Copy Center has limited hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
• You should print a test page using the “Scale to fit” option to make sure your poster prints without any issues. If you are satisfied with this printing then proceed with your print
• Contact the Copy Center Service Desk at (616) 331-3407 or [email protected] with questions

You may also be interested in the Digital Print Shop at GVSU.

The Day of the Event

On the day of the event you will need to arrive early and get your poster displayed. All posters must be in place by 8:45 a.m. You will be provided with either easels, backboards, and clips, or tacks and/or Velcro strips to hang your poster (depending upon location). Several SSD Committee members and volunteers will be on hand if you need any assistance in locating your poster location or obtaining clips/tacks. You should also make arrangements to have your poster removed beginning at 5:00 p.m. You will need to be available to discuss your poster during the one hour time block you were assigned when you registered. Be sure to double check this time prior to the day of the event. During this hour you will discuss your poster with participants and answer any questions that the viewers may have regarding your project.

Consider the following tips for this presentation:

• Dress professionally
• Stand next to your poster to engage with viewers
• Prepare a short statement to walk the viewers through your poster
• Be prepared to briefly discuss your work, address key pieces of research, and summarize your conclusions
• Point to specific parts of your poster as you explain your project
• Speak to the viewers, not your poster
• Keep in mind that viewers likely know very little about your project topic, make sure you can explain your research in a way that everyone can understand
• Before or after your assigned time, check out as many poster as you can. It is often helpful to visit several posters before your presentation time to see how the other students are presenting their work