SAC Application Instructions

Overview

To participate in the Student Academic Conference (SAC), you must submit an application using the online form.

• The application deadline is listed on the SAC website and the Exploratory Data Analysis Project page.
• Missing the deadline will prevent you from presenting and will negatively affect your course grade.

Key Requirements

• Submit your application before the deadline
• Your title and abstract must be approved by your instructor before submission
• Only one person per group submits the application
• You must include the required “Special Requests” text
• You must submit proof of your application (PDF) on D2L

Prerequisites

Before starting the application:

• Read the Exploratory Data Analysis Project instructions
• Choose your dataset and complete the data readiness check
• Write your title and abstract
• Get your title and abstract approved by your instructor

Information to Prepare

Have all of the following ready before starting the form.

It is strongly suggested that you complete the application straight through (i.e. have all information on hand and enter it over the span of 30 minutes or less). Information may be lost if the application stays open for more than 30 minutes.

Item	Required for all groups?	Notes
Dragon IDs for all group members (you can search by name)	Yes	Include whether each is an honors or graduate student
Title	Yes	Must be approved and spell-checked
Abstract (100–250 words)	Yes	Must be approved and spell-checked
Mentor name	Yes	Chris Merkord
Additional student coauthors not in BIOL 275	If applicable	Include Dragon IDs and student status
Additional faculty mentors	If applicable	Add in form if needed
IRB or IACUC approval	If applicable	Only for research projects which required them.

Application Process

Read all steps before beginning.

1. Go to the online application form

2. Read the guidelines and click “I agree to these guidelines. Apply now.”

Student Information

3. Add each group member:

   • Enter Dragon ID (search by name if needed)
   • Select Yes for “Will this person be presenting?”
   • Click Add Student to List
   • Repeat for all group members and any additional student coauthors

   Do not add your course instructor here.

Presentation Details

4. Enter the Title (copy and paste)

5. Format: select Poster

6. IRB/IACUC approval:

   • Select Not Applicable unless your project required approval

7. Enter the Abstract (copy and paste)

   • Do not apply special formatting (except scientific names if needed)

8. Department: select Biosciences

9. Discipline: select Biology

10. Mentor: select Merkord, Chris

    • Add additional mentors if applicable

Additional Fields

11. Presenter lunch:
    • Check the box if you plan to attend

Special Requests (Required)

12. Copy and paste the following into the Special Requests field:

This presentation is for BIOL 275 Biostatistics. Please group it with other presentations for that course.

If you are giving multiple presentations, you may also include:

I am also presenting another poster and an oral presentation. Please schedule these for [(different times) or (the same time, next to each other)].

Submit

13. Click the submit button.

By submitting this application you authorize the Student Academic Conference to publish your first and last name with your presentation in both print and online material and that you have made all group members aware of this, as well.

After You Submit

1. Save proof of your submission:

• Print the confirmation screen as a PDF or
• Save the confirmation email as a PDF

2. Submit the PDF on D2L under the SAC Application Confirmation assignment