Expo Competition Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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General FAQs

1. Who can participate in the Expo Competition?
   
   The Expo Competition is open to undergraduate students enrolled in engineering programs at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Student teams are encouraged to participate, and each team must have a faculty advisor.
2. What is the format of the Expo Competition?
   
   The competition consists of two stages: the preliminary round (abstract submission) and the final round (presentations). During the preliminary round, teams submit abstracts of their projects for evaluation. Selected finalist teams proceed to the final round, where they present their projects in front of judges and attendees.
3. What are the evaluation criteria for the Expo Competition?
   
   Projects are evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, problem statement, design process, prototype/display, creativity, and overall presentation quality. Detailed rubrics are provided for both the preliminary and final rounds of the competition.
4. Is there a registration fee to participate in the Expo Competition?
   
   No, there is no registration fee for participating in the Expo Competition. It is free for all eligible undergraduate students at CSUF.
5. Does the project need to be completed by a group or individual?
   
   Either way is acceptable. Participants can choose to work on their projects individually or as part of a group. However, each team, whether comprised of individuals or groups, must have a faculty advisor.
6. Are graduate students allowed to participate either individually or as team members with undergraduate students?
   
   No. Participation in the ECS Student Project Innovation Expo 2024 is limited to ECS undergraduate students only. Graduate students are not eligible to participate, either individually or as team members with undergraduate students.
7. How can I get involved in the Expo Competition as a sponsor or partner?
   
   If you are interested in sponsoring or partnering with the Expo Competition, please contact Toni Arellanes-Miller (Senior Director of Development) at tamiller@fullerton.edu for more information on opportunities and benefits.
8. Are posters required for the Competition?
   
   Yes, teams participating in the Competition are required to prepare posters that visually represent their projects. Posters serve as visual aids during presentations and help convey the significance of the projects to attendees.
9. How can I get posters printed for the Competition?
   
   Teams are responsible for printing their posters. It is recommended to work with the respective department or utilize printing services available on campus.
10. Is there a poster template that I should use?
    
    Yes, teams are required to use the official ECS Expo poster template for their presentations. You can download the template from the following link: ECS Expo Poster Template
11. What is the recommended poster size?
    
    The recommended poster size for the Competition is 48 inches in width by 36 inches in height. This size allows for optimal visibility and presentation of project details.
12. What is the required format for the posters?
    
    Posters for the Competition must be printed on foam board. Roll-up type posters are not permitted. The foam board provides stability and durability for the posters during the Competition .
13. How much time do I have to prepare my poster?
    
    Teams are encouraged to start preparing their posters as soon as possible. It is advisable to allow at least one week for poster preparation and printing. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your posters are ready for presentation at the event.

 

Preliminary Round (Abstract Submission) FAQs

1. What should be included in the abstract submission?
   
   The abstract should provide a concise overview of the project, including the problem statement, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should highlight the innovation and significance of the project.
2. Is there a word limit for the abstract submission?
   
   Yes, there is typically a word limit for the abstract submission. Please refer to the submission guidelines within the abstract submission page for specific details on word count and formatting requirements.
3. How are abstracts evaluated in the Preliminary Round?
   
   Abstracts are evaluated based on criteria such as clarity of the problem statement, feasibility of the project, innovation, and potential impact. Detailed rubrics are provided to guide the evaluation process.
4. Can we include multimedia components with our abstract submission?
   
   Yes, teams have the option to include video clips, photos, or other multimedia elements to support their abstract submissions. While multimedia is not required, it can enhance the presentation of your project concept. Please provide a link to your multimedia content in the designated section of the submission form.
5. Can I make changes to my abstract after submission?
   
   No, once an abstract is submitted, it cannot be modified. It is essential to review and finalize your abstract before submitting it to ensure accuracy and completeness.
6. When will I know if my team has been selected as a finalist for the final round?
   
   Finalists for the final round presentations are typically notified via email after the abstract submission period has closed. Selected teams will receive further instructions on the next steps in the competition.

 

Final Round FAQs

1. How are teams selected for the Final Round?
   
   Teams are typically selected based on the evaluation of their abstract submissions during the Preliminary Round. Only the top-scoring projects advance to the Final Round.
2. Who can participate in the Final Round?
   
   Only the teams that have been selected as finalists during the Preliminary Round are eligible to participate in the Final Round presentations.
3. Is there an opportunity for teams not in the final round of the competition to participate in the ECS Student Project Innovation Expo?
   
   Yes, there is! Teams not selected for the final round of the competition are still invited to participate in the ECS Student Project Innovation Expo showcase event. During this showcase, which takes place from 11 am to 1:30 pm, these teams will have the opportunity to present their projects to the general public, including fellow students, faculty, industry professionals, and community members. This allows all student teams to share their work, engage with attendees, and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of innovation at the Expo.
4. How are projects evaluated in the Final Round?
   
   Projects in the Final Round are evaluated by a panel of judges based on criteria such as project innovation, problem-solving approach, presentation quality, and overall impact.
5. Is there a specific format for the Final Round presentations?
   
   Finalist teams are typically given a specified amount of time to present their projects to the judging panel. The format may include a combination of oral presentations, demonstrations, and Q&A sessions.
6. Can teams bring prototypes or visual aids for their presentations?
   
   Yes, teams are encouraged to bring prototypes, visual aids, and any other materials that will enhance their presentations and help convey the significance of their projects.
7. How many judges will evaluate each project in the Final Round?
   
   Each project will typically be evaluated by a panel of judges consisting of industry professionals and faculty members. The exact number of judges may vary depending on the size and scope of the competition.
8. When will the winners of the Final Round be announced?
   
   The winners of the Final Round, including awards and prizes, are typically announced during the award ceremony following the presentations. Teams will be notified of the results shortly after the judging process is complete.
9. Is there an audience during the Final Round presentations?
   
   Yes, members of the public, including fellow students, faculty, industry professionals, and community members, are typically invited to attend the Final Round presentations to support the finalist teams and learn about their projects.

10. What is the dress code for the Competition?

    The recommended dress code for the Competition is business or business-casual attire. Participants are encouraged to dress professionally to present themselves and their projects in a polished manner.

 

Questions? Email the Center for Collaborative Research and Prototype Development (CCRPD) at ccrpd@fullerton.edu.