How many students can I bring?
Each school may send one teacher and three students. An Equal Opportunity Component enables a school to bring additional faculty, staff, or student participants who are members of a minority group (Asian, African American, Hispanic, Native American). Schools can bring up to six students and two teachers if one of them is a member of a minority group. Local schools whose participants are not staying overnight can bring different students and teachers on the second day.
Can I bring students who are not competing?
Yes, we encourage ninth through eleventh grade students who are not competing to attend so that they will consider a research project for a future competition.
Can seniors attend if they are not competing?
No, seniors who attend must be part of the competition.
Can students compete as part of a team?
Students can submit a team research paper, however, only one student can make the presentation and be eligible for the scholarships. Students who are presenting in workshops certainly can make team presentations.
What exactly are workshops?
Workshops and poster sessions provide an opportunity for students in the early stages of their research to present a five minute review of their ideas and progress. We make these sessions informal and helpful. UW researchers moderate the sessions and help direct students to useful resources. Seniors may not present workshops.
How do you decide who can attend?
Schools must apply to attend. Priority is given to schools that have a competing student, followed by those schools that have not attended in recent years. Space and resources are limited and we want to have as many different schools as possible participate.
When I come, what should I bring?
The Friedrick Inn and Conference Center is a regular hotel. You do not need to bring towels and such items. Participants walk a mile or more between activities, so wear a sturdy pair of walking shoes. The weather in late February is unpredictable. Be prepared for rain or snow. Let us know in advance if you have special transportation requirements.
How do I get to the Friedrick Center?
Please visit the Friedrick Center web site for information.
Can a student attend more than one regional symposium?
Unless a student is competing, we restrict participation to one year. In addition, students may compete in only one region in one symposium year. The La Crosse region holds its symposium in the fall; the Madison region holds its symposium in the late winter. You cannot attend both.
Can foreign nationals compete?
Foreign nationals, including exchange students, are not eligible for scholarships in this program. They may present their research, however.
Why are you charging a fee?
Some aspects of the local symposium are not covered by the contract with the Department of Defense. The fee covers helps cover program expenses including national registration fees. We will waive the fee in hardship situations.
