VITERBI UNDERGRADUATE SYMPOSIUM

What is the purpose of the Viterbi Undergraduate Symposium?
The Symposium allows undergraduate students to showcase their research, capstone project, or other significant works to faculty, staff and peers. 

When and where will the Viterbi Undergraduate Symposium take place?
The 2024 Symposium will be held on Friday, April 26 from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. outdoors at the Epstein Family Engineering Plaza and VHE Breezeway. 

When is the deadline to register for the Symposium?
The deadline to register is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 19.

How do I register as a presenter for the Symposium?
The online registration form will be available starting March 18 (after spring break). 

Who is invited to participate?
All Viterbi undergraduate students are invited to participate, including participants in research and honors programs, and graduating seniors enrolled in capstone classes. 

Who is invited to attend?
All members of the USC and Viterbi community are invited to attend, including faculty, administrators, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, friends, and family. Industry members are also invited to attend. No RSVP is required, and attendees are welcome to stay for as long as they'd like.

What type of projects should be presented?
All types of projects are welcomed as long as they were developed through a senior capstone class, faculty supervised research, or student design team. Groups or individuals can either bring their physical project or display the details of the project via laptop presentation or poster.

What if the project is incomplete or failed?
All projects are welcomed at various stages. It is important for engineers to appreciate all phases of project design as well as to learn various challenges and mistakes.

What time should I arrive for set-up?
You can start setting up an hour before the Symposium begins, and all exhibitors should be ready 15 minutes before the event begins. Each project team will be provided one 6-foot table, tablecloth, two chairs, an electrical outlet (if requested), an easel, and a sign with the project title.

Do all team members need to be present during the entire event?
All team members do not need to be present; however, at least one member of the team needs to be present throughout the program.

What is the dress code for the Symposium?
Business casual attire is appropriate.

What materials should I bring to the Symposium?

1. The physical project, a poster, or laptop presentation of the project.
2. Handouts, if applicable, to enable attendees to learn more about your project.
3. Any other items you feel will aid you in presenting your project.

What if my presentation requires special set-up needs?
We will do our best to accommodate special set-up requests based on availability. You may indicate all special needs in the “Special Set-Up Needs” section on the registration form. We will confirm your request prior to the event. Requests submitted less than 1 week before the Symposium will not be accommodated.

What size should my poster be?

Typically posters are 36" x 48" for small posters or 48" x 60" for regular size , but ask your PhD mentor or faculty what they would recommend. Easels are 65” tall. It would be helpful to mount the poster to foamboard to stand up against the easel. Be mindful we’ll be outside as well, so it would also be good to have some clips with you to secure the poster to the easel.