The fourth annual Interdisciplinary Graduate and Professional Student (IGPS) Symposium opened on April 3 with graduate student performances at the Walter A. Buehler Alumni Center. The annual IGPS symposium gives students the opportunity to present their research through various media such as performances, art exhibits, posters, talks and panels. At the end of the two-day symposium, certificate and monetary awards are given to winning presentations decided through collaborative, interdisciplinary scoring by Jeffery C. Gibeling, Vice Provost - Graduate Education and Dean - Graduate Studies, and volunteer judges.

Held at the AGR hall, the performances demonstrated a broad range of experimental, emotional and physical expression, from spoken word to dance. After the two and a half-hour sequence of graduate student performances, the symposium moved over to the Conference Center for its poster sessions which showcased over 60 research topics. This concluded the first day of IGPS.

On April 4, the second day of the symposium began with a GSA (Graduate Student Association) breakfast at the Conference Center lobby, at which the all-day art exhibit was displayed. After breakfast, all five rooms of the Conference Center were used to facilitate concurrent talks and panel sessions. All 18 talks and panel sessions were presented by 3:15 in the afternoon, with a midday lunch provided at the ballroom. A resources and organizations fair was held from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

After the keynote speech, “Why 2 Is Better Than 1” by special guest Van Ton-Quinlivan, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development of California’s Community Colleges, awards were given during the dinner ceremony for the following categories: Oral Sessions, Papers, Panel Sessions, Poster Sessions, Art and Performances, and People’s Choice Awards.

List of awards and winners.

Information on IGPS participation, as well as this year’s abstracts and program schedule.