LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES SYMPOSIUM

A Celebration of Academic Work and Commitment to Service

April 14-17, 2025

This year’s event will include sessions from April 14 – April 17. Sessions provide a forum for students to present and discuss their outstanding endeavors. Papers, roundtables, oral and poster presentations, art exhibitions, and scholarly musical presentations will showcase undergraduate research across the curriculum.

Call for proposals

All proposal submissions are due by 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 23, 2025

Call for Student Proposals
Call for Faculty-Organized Sessions

Call for Student Proposals

The 2025 Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium Committee invites proposals for participation in Oglethorpe University’s annual symposium, which will be held in on Thursday, April 17th. The event offers sessions that provide a forum for students and faculty to present, discuss, and learn from outstanding student endeavors.

Students are required to submit a proposal or abstract of their work for consideration for a presentation at LASS. Proposals should not exceed 200 words. The deadline for proposal submissions is 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Notifications will be sent by Monday, March 31st. For questions, email the LASS Committee.

Call for Faculty-Organized Sessions

The LASS Committee invites proposals for a limited number of faculty-organized sessions at this year’s Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium. The intent of these sessions is for faculty who have identified student projects that are thematically or disciplinarily connected to have control over the organization of their session, in addition to serving as the presider/discussant.

Sessions should consist of four to five paper presentations and presenters will have about 12-15 minutes to discuss their contribution, followed by discussant comments in some instances. Afterwards, the presider will open the floor to discussion and questions from the audience.

Session proposals must include a brief abstract (max. 250 words) detailing the theme of the proposed session, along with the names of the participants, and titles of their projects/papers. Prior to submission of your proposal, ensure that the students you have identified are willing to participate. Proposals submissions are due by 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 23, 2025 to the “Faculty-Organized Sessions” form on the LASS website. Any questions can be directed to the LASS Chair, Lea Alford.

What is LASS?

The Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium (LASS) is an annual event that brings together Oglethorpe University students and faculty in a celebration of exemplary scholarly work produced by Oglethorpe students under faculty mentorship. The symposium’s sessions provide a forum for students and faculty to present, discuss, and learn from outstanding student endeavors. Panels, roundtables, oral and poster presentations, art exhibitions, and scholarly music presentations present the fruits of both Oglethorpe’s liberal arts curriculum as well as science, technology, and math research. You can explore programs and schedules from prior years below.

Is attendance required?

The university strongly encourages attendance at LASS. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the Oglethorpe campus community and experience our motto “Make A Life. Make A Living. Make A Difference” up close. Your instructor may require attendance for a particular class, so please check with your individual professors.

How do I know if my work is appropriate for LASS?

If you’re interested in your subject and proud of your commitment to the topic, that will show in your abstract and proposal. Any course-related subject with a faculty mentor is open to consideration by the LASS committee.

How do I write an abstract or proposal?

Proposals should not exceed 200 words. For discipline-specific guidance, speak to your faculty advisor.

Resources for writing an abstract or proposal can be found below:

Resources:

Writing an abstract (George Mason University)

What is the deadline for submitting my proposal?

The 2024 Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium (LASS) Committee invites student proposals for participation. Students who wish to present are required to submit a proposal or abstract of their work. The deadline for proposal submissions is March 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. A committee of faculty from a variety of disciplines including the humanities and sciences will convene to review proposals and abstracts. Notification of proposal acceptance will follow shortly thereafter.

Do I need a faculty mentor?

Yes, you must work with a faculty mentor to write your proposal or abstract and to prepare for your presentation.

What's the dress code?

Business casual. Formal wear, party clothes, or clothing with slogans are generally not appropriate unless relevant to the content or tradition of your presentation.

Students who need professional attire can find resources at support at the Career Closet.

How will LASS help my career?

LASS participation puts you ahead of your peers in graduate school and in your profession when it comes to conference skills. Attending symposia and conferences and presenting research or speaking in your chosen field is a part of professional life. According to the ASAE (American Society for Association Executives), there are nearly 100,000 different organizations for professions in the United States alone. Graduate students routinely speak and present at academic conferences throughout their course of study.

Can I invite my family and friends?

Yes, this is a public, free event.