Grad Slam
Grad Slam is a systemwide competition that showcases and awards the best three-minute research presentations by graduate scholars. This competition not only highlights the excellence, importance and relevance of UCI graduate scholars and their research, but it is also designed to increase graduate students’ communication skills and their capacity to effectively present their work with poise and confidence. It is an opportunity to share accomplishments with the campus, friends of UCI, the local community, and the broader public. This year’s edition of Grad Slam will be virtual, from the semifinals all the way through UC Systemwide Finals.
Why Apply?
Grad Slam contestants receive advanced communication skills training and a competitive CV/resume line. Additionally, winners receive cash prizes up to $5,000! The systemwide winner earns the coveted title of 2021 Grad Slam Champion and the coveted “Slammy”. Click the yellow button above to apply, the deadline is January 13, 2021!
Who Should Apply?
Take a look below to see the winning performance from last year’s competition. The event is open to ALL graduate students!
Questions? Contact the Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center at gpsrc@uci.edu. Visit our website for more details!
"The communications course at UCI’s Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center (GPSRC) was instrumental in helping me win the inaugural Grad Slam competition, because it taught me about different aspects of speaking and engaging with the audience and I highly recommend the course for all graduate scholars."
- Ashley Fong, UC System-Wide 2015 Grad Slam Winner
| Key Dates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grad Slam Information Recording | Monday, November 16, 2020 | View Recording Here |
| Virtual Grad Slam Q&A Session | Thursday, January 14, 2021 | |
| Application + Video Submission Deadline | Friday, January 22, 2021 | |
| Virtual Grad Slam UCI Semi-Finals | Friday, February 12, 2021 | |
| Virtual Grad Slam UCI Finals | Thursday, March 4, 2021 | |
| UC Systemwide Finals! (format TBD) | Event Date TBD |