Graduate Division

Grad Slam

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

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.

Check out our 2019 Grad Slam campus winners!

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".

Apply Now!

2020 Competition Schedule

Application Deadline:  Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 11:59PM - APPLY HERE
UCI Grad Slam Semifinals
Date:  Friday, February 7
Time: Sessions will be scheduled throughout the day (8am - 5pm)
Location:  Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center (3rd Floor of the Gateway Study Center)
UCI Grad Slam Campus Finals
Date:  Friday, February 28
Time: 3:30pm – 5:30pm with reception to follow
Location:  The Cove at UCI Applied Innovation
UC System-wide Competition
Date:  Friday, May 8
Time:  TBA
Location:  LinkedIn Campus
Livestream:  https://gradslam.universityofcalifornia.edu/

Preparation Workshops

Grad Slam Video Boot Camp - Click Here to RSVP
Date:  Tuesday, January 14
Time:  12:00pm - 1:30pm
Location:  Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center (3rd Floor of the Gateway Study Center)
Description:  Hosted by Bri McWhorter, this boot camp is focused on helping Grad Slam applicants complete the video requirement of the application. 
Grad Slam Preparation Workshop - Click Here to RSVP
Date:  Tuesday, January 28
Time:  12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location:  Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center (3rd Floor of the Gateway Study Center)
Description:  Hosted by Bri McWhorter, this workshop is designed prepare Grad Slam participants for the semifinals portion of the competition.
Grad Slam Preparation Workshop - Click Here to RSVP
Date:  Wednesday, January 29
Time:  12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location:  Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center (3rd Floor of the Gateway Study Center)
Description:  Hosted by Bri McWhorter, this workshop is designed to prepare Grad Slam participants for the semifinals portion of the competition.

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