Grad Slam Event Information for Students

SJSU Grad Slam is on April 22, 2025!

Applications due February 15, 2024

Grad Slam: Where SJSU’s Innovators Compete to Change the World!

Step into the spotlight to showcase your groundbreaking research, scholarship, or creative project in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges. In just a few minutes, you'll showcase the impact and innovation of your work in a clear, engaging way.

What's in it for you?

Sharpen your communication skills and gain confidence as a presenter.
Showcase your groundbreaking research to a wider audience.
Win cash prizes and bragging rights!
Receive expert guidance through curated presentation workshops.
Gain invaluable experience for your future career.
Open to all disciplines: Whether you're a poet, scientist, engineer, or music historian, Grad Slam welcomes your unique research and creative endeavors.

Testimonials

Hear directly from past participants how Grad Slam has transformed their SJSU experience, enhancing both their professional development and personal growth.

Information Sessions

Want to learn more about the competition? Join an information session!

Grad Slam Information Session - January 10, 2025: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Grad Slam Information Session - January 27, 2025: 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Ready to Apply?

Eligibility Requirements
- 1. Be a matriculated student in a master's or doctoral degree program at SJSU.
  2. Apply as an individual presenter.
  3. Be in the research/creative phase of their program planning to graduate in Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025 or have significant findings or progress on their projects.
  Please Note: Each SJSU graduate student may participate in Grad Slam only once during their degree program.
What Information Do I Need to Provide on the Application?
- 1. Information about you: name, program, Student ID number, and anticipated graduation date.
  2. Name of the faculty member responsible for supervising your research or creative work or a faculty member who can attest to the merit of your project.
  3. The name of your presentation (don't worry - you can change this before you finalize your presentation).
  4. A brief description of your research, its impact, what you have done to date, and what you plan to do before April 1, 2025.
  5. Need for special accommodations.
  6. By submitting this form, you certify that you are aware your research and presentation will be available to the general public.
InfoReady Application and Guidelines
- NOTE: The application process has changed from Google forms to InfoReady. To apply, you must be logged into your one.SJSU account.
  
  Before applying, you should do the following:
  1. Review the Student Application Guide (detailed instructions and suggestions), or a pdf version of the Application.
  2. Identify the faculty member responsible for supervising your research or creative work, a faculty mentor aware of your work, or the graduate advisor for your program.
  Be prepared to provide answers to the following:
  1. Title of your presentation (concise, clear, and accessible to someone outside of your field.
  2. Summarize your project (an overview) in two or three sentences or short paragraph.
  3. Why is your project important? Reflect on the broader significance of your work (see detailed ideas in the Application Guide) in two or three sentences.
  4. Describe the work you have done to date.
  5. What work to you plan to do to complete your project.
  6. How much of your research or creative activity will be complete by April 1, 2025.
  7. You can prepare your application and "Save as a Draft. You must "Submit Application" to apply.

Apply to Grad Slam 2025

Competition Information & Prizes

Competition Format and Presentation Structure
- A single static slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or imbedded videos are allowed. The slide is presented at the beginning of your presentation and remains in view throughout the presentation.
  
  No electronic media is allowed.
  
  No props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  
  Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum. Presentations exceeding 3:05 minutes will receive point deductions.
  
  Presentations are to be delivered in a traditional presentation style (no singing, poetry, rap).
  
  Presentations are considered to have commenced when presenters start their presentation through movement or speech.
  
  Each presentation will be judged using this rubric.
  
  This rubric is based on a 1-6 scale, with 6 being “Excellent.”
Rewards and Prizes
- Semifinalists are selected on the basis of their application. All semifinalists are eligible to participate in the training sessions and attend an appointment with a professional videographer to create their video. Videos are submitted to a panel of judges who will select up to ten finalists to attend the live on-stage Grad Slam event at Hammer Theater on April 22, 2025, with a reception afterwards. All Grad Slam participants receive a YouTube copy of their video submission for their LinkedIn accounts, portfolio, and CV or resumé.
  
  Cash prizes for SJSU Grad Slam 2025:
  
  $1,200 First Place
  $800 Second Place
  $500 Audience Choice
  
  Two winners of the SJSU Grad Slam are eligible to compete in the CSU-Wide Grad Slam being held virtually by Cal State San Bernardino on May 9, 2025.
  
  The first place winner is invited to attend the Western Association of Graduate Schools conference to compete in a regional competition. Airfare and hotel paid by the College of Graduate Studies.
  
  The first place winner is also invited to return in April 2026 to act as a guest judge at the finals.

If you have any questions, email grad-slam@sjsu.edu.