Every year at Piedmont University, there is a day when classes are canceled, but the campus is full of movement all day. It is Symposium Day, and this year, it will take place on Thursday, April 11, on both campuses.

Dr. Julia Schmitz is the chair of the Symposium Committee, a group of faculty and staff involved in planning and executing this event. It is an all-day event where students can go around the campus to see classmates, teammates, or someone new and see the work they have done for the semester or year. This work can be research or creative inquiry projects students did in class or in their own time. Dr. Schmitz mentioned that the benefits for students presenting for the symposium include adding experience to the student’s resumes, practicing presentation skills, and highlighting their projects to the rest of the Piedmont community.

Dr. Schmitz mentioned benefits for faculty/staff: “Faculty get to watch their students put all their hard work into action and present in front of an audience, which makes us so proud to watch. And, like the students, it also allows us to see some of the research being done in other departments/colleges.” 

It is an engaging event, inviting everyone to see as many presentations as possible. Support our fellow Lions who will be presenting during the Symposium. There are many kinds of presentations, including “orals, panels, posters, demonstrations, an art exhibit, and a radio show.” said Dr. Schmitz. So, there is a tremendous variety of options for everyone to find something they want to see.

Volunteers are needed for the event if you are not a presenter and would like to help on the big day. If a student wants to volunteer, please send an email to [email protected]. The student can volunteer as an emcee (announce who is talking next) or as a timekeeper.