Graduate Division
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Grad Slam

What is Grad Slam?

Grad Slam is back and we want YOU to bring the Slammy back to UCI!


What is Grad Slam?
Grad Slam is a systemwide competition that showcases and awards the best three-minute research presentations by graduate scholars. This competition not only highlights the excellence, importance and relevance of UCI graduate scholars and their research, but it is also designed to increase graduate students' communication skills and their capacity to effectively present their work with poise and confidence. It is an opportunity to share accomplishments with the campus, friends of UCI, the local community, and the broader public. This year's edition of Grad Slam will be virtual, from the semifinals all the way through UC Systemwide Finals. 
 
Why Apply? 
Grad Slam contestants receive advanced communication skills training and a competitive CV/resume line. Additionally, winners receive cash prizes up to $5,000! The systemwide winner earns the coveted title of 2021 Grad Slam Champion and the coveted "Slammy". Click the yellow button above to apply, the deadline is January 13, 2021!

Take a look below to see the winning performance from last year's competition. The event is open to ALL graduate students!

Questions? Contact the Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center at gpsrc@uci.edu. Visit our website for more details!

 

2020 Competition Schedule

Application Deadline:  January 13, 2021 at 11:59PM - APPLY HERE

Acceptances are made on a rolling basis. Maximize your preparation time by submitting early!

UCI Grad Slam Virtual Semifinals Dates
Friday, January 15, 2021: Applicants will be notified on their advancement to semifinals 
Week of January 18 - 22, 2021: Semifinalists record their 3-minute presentation with Graduate Division staff virtually.

UCI Grad Slam Virtual Campus Finals Dates
Friday, January 29, 2021: Applicants will be notified on their advancement to campus finals.
Week of February 1 - 5, 2021: Individual public speaking coaching with Bri McWhorter.
Week of February 8 - 22, 2021: Campus Finalists pre-record 3-minute presentation with UCI Media Services on campus.
March 4, 2021: Virtual Grad Slam Finals Event!

UC Systemwide Competition
Date:  TBD
Time:  TBD

The communications course at UCI’s Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center (GPSRC) was instrumental in helping me win the inaugural Grad Slam competition, because it taught me about different aspects of speaking and engaging with the audience and I highly recommend the course for all graduate scholars."- Ashley Fong, UC System-Wide 2015 Grad Slam Winner dbsduib

Key Dates

Grad Slam Information Recording Monday, November 16, 2020 View Recording Here
Virtual Grad Slam Q&A Session Thursday, January 14, 2021 Register Here
Application + Video Submission Deadline Friday, January 22, 2021 Submit Here
Virtual Grad Slam UCI Semi-Finals Friday, February 12, 2021 Register Here
Virtual Grad Slam UCI Finals Thursday, March 4, 2021 Registere Here
UC Systemwide Finals! (format TBD) Event Date TBD

Who Should Apply?

All graduate students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Why Apply?

Grad Slam contestants receive advanced communication skills training and a competitive CV/resume line.  Additionally, winners receive prizes up to $9,000! The systemwide winner earns the coveted title of 2020 Grad Slam Champion and the coveted "Slammy".

Previous Competitions

Below are links to livestreams that were recorded at the 2018 UCI campus finals competition and the 2019 systemwide competition in San Francisco:

2019 UC Grad Slam Systemwide Finals

2018 UC Irvine Grad Slam Campus Finals

General Information Contact: Turner Dahl, Dean's Office Analyst

Media Inquiries Contact:  Derrick Fazendin, Director of Communications