On Tuesday, April 17 Geneseo will hold its first annual Geneseo Recognizing Excellence Achievement and Talent (G.R.E.A.T.) Day.
G.R.E.A.T. Day is designed to create a venue for presenting research as well as a day of celebration for the activities and accomplishments of Geneseo students. "It is an opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to see presentations and exhibits they wouldn't normally see," said Director of Sponsored Research Dr. Anne Baldwin.
The planning for G.R.E.A.T. Day began about one and a half years ago based upon a faculty committee's recommendation to combine the Humanities Undergraduate Paper Symposium (HUPS) and the Undergraduate Scholars Symposium (USS).
Due to the expected large number of presentations, G.R.E.A.T. Day's creators decided it was necessary to devote an entire day to the event, so classes will not be in session that day. Baldwin said "it was decided we needed a full day to pull off." The day will be scheduled into the master schedule for all successive years.
Noting experience with previous colleges and universities, Baldwin explained, "Geneseo is very dedicated to providing research and other opportunities for excellence to undergraduates."
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Lynn Weber, invited from the University of South Carolina. She is the director of the women's studies program and a professor of sociology at the university. She has conducted research regarding the crossroads of race, class, gender and sexuality for over 20 years. The title of her address is "Through a Fly's Eyes: Addressing Diversity in our Creative, Research, and Scholarly Endeavors."
The research presented will span a variety of disciplines, including the arts, sciences, social sciences, humanities, education and business. There are three main formats for presentations: an artwork exhibit, poster presentation, and presentations and performances. Each has its own specific set of application guidelines.
Although it is officially encouraged to submit an application as early as possible, the deadline is March 9. All submissions must have faculty sponsorship in order to be presented on G.R.E.A.T. Day.
G.R.E.A.T. Day will be an all-day event beginning with a continental style breakfast to accompany registration and opening remarks. The research presentations will be divided into several concurrent sessions.
Baldwin said that G.R.E.A.T. Day holds opportunity for students to volunteer to help run and coordinate the day. "We are very interested in having faculty and students act as session chairs or to volunteer to help coordinate the day's events," she said. Those students interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Baldwin at baldwina@geneseo.edu.
"I hope all students will attend," said Baldwin. She indicated faculty will likely be encouraging students to attend and participate in the day, many via extra credit opportunities.
The title of G.R.E.A.T. Day was created through a college-wide contest. The winning title was created by Elizabeth Otero, a senior philosophy major. "G.R.E.A.T. Day" was chosen out of 34 suggestions by 18 different students.