Global Symposium

App State’s 15th Annual Global Symposium will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

The Global Symposium is an opportunity for App State students, faculty, and staff to share their globally engaged work and experiences on a professional platform and to connect with a community that believes strongly in the power and impact of global learning and international education.

Faculty, staff, and students from all corners of campus gather at the annual Global Symposium to discuss their latest innovations, new strategies, and best practices in global engagement.

Register for the 2026 Global Symposium Here

Showcase your global work and learn new ideas as we celebrate and advance our shared commitment to global engagement.

Members of the App State community can submit the following types of proposals:

30-minute presentation
30-minute performance
30-minute workshop
60-minute panel discussion with 3-5 panelists engaged in discussion and audience Q&A
60-minute panel presentations with 3-4 individual presentations organized around a common theme

New This Year - Best Student Presentation Awards

In an effort to highlight the impact of global engagement for students, App State students may enter into our Best Student Presentation competition. The first place winners of this award will receive a $1,000 education abroad scholarship. The runners-up will receive a $500 education abroad scholarship.

Overview

Presentations do not exceed 15 minutes
- Expectation is 12 minutes speaking time and 3 minutes of questions
Up to two presenters per presentation; if they win then the award is split between them
Participants must be available to present at either the 9:00-10:00 or 10:10-11:10 time slots
Participants must attend the Global Leadership Awards Luncheon where the winners are announced
Types of presentation:
- Connection between an international experience and their broader academic or career learning
  - International experiences might include: study abroad, participation in globally-focused student groups, language immersion programs
- Original research, paper, or project on a global topic
- Creative work related to global topic
Students may attend workshops to help prepare, such as the one hosted by OIP 3:00-4:00 pm on September 16 in Plemmons Student Union 415
Questions may be directed to James Holden (holdenje@appstate.edu)

Awards

There are two first place awards of $1000 and two runner-up awards of $500.

Evaluation Criteria

Communication
- Ideas are communicated clearly and efficiently
- Presentation is organized and practiced
- Visual aids are helpful, organized, and not a distraction
- Presentation is completed within time constraint
- Expectation is 12 minutes speaking time and 3 minutes of questions
Content Mastery
- Presenter has thorough knowledge of their topic
- If applicable, presenter is able to answer audience questions
Content Relevance and Importance
- Presentation content is centered on global themes
- Presentation content is meaningful to the student and the audience
Originality
- Content should go beyond repeating material from a completed course or assigned reading. Content includes new knowledge or unique perspectives.

Submit Your Proposal Today

Proposals are due by September 29, 2026