SDSU Grad Slam
The College of Graduate Studies has partnered with the Division of Research and Innovation to host the SDSU Grad Slam competition. During the competition, graduate students will be judged on their ability to successfully engage a non-specialist audience while communicating key details about their research, scholarship, or other creative work in three minutes or less with just a single PowerPoint slide.
The SDSU Grad Slam competition qualifies students for the CSU-wide Grad Slam competition which is held virtually via Zoom each spring semester. The SDSU Grad Slam and CSU-wide Grad Slam provide additional opportunities beyond the SDSU Student Symposium for SDSU master’s and doctoral students to showcase their research, scholarship, or other creative work.
2026 SDSU Grad Slam
The 2026 SDSU Grad Slam competition will take place face-to-face on Wednesday Feb. 25, 2026 in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union.
Register for 2026 SDSU Grad Slam
Graduate Student Participants
Please complete the registration form (SDSU log-in required) and indicate your preferred preliminary round time (9 a.m. or 11 a.m.). All registration forms must be submitted by Friday, January 30, 2026.
Consult the 2026 SDSU Grad Slam Presenter Resource Guide for a preview of the registration questions, FAQs, and additional information.
After registration closes, presenters will receive a confirmation email with your assigned presentation time, the official PowerPoint slide template, and detailed submission and day-of instructions.
Participation is not guaranteed; the College of Graduate Studies will review interested participants and invite 24 graduate students to compete.
Please contact CGS.SDSU.Grad-Slam@
Judges
Judges play a vital role in the success of Grad Slam by providing constructive, fair, and thoughtful evaluations of each presenter’s ability to clearly and engagingly communicate their work. Please consult the 2026 SDSU Grad Slam Judge Resource Guide for additional information.
Judges must register by 5 p.m. on February 13, 2026.
Judges should be available for the an optional virtual orientation session and at least one in-person judging session.
- Virtual orientation session (Optional) Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Time to be announced
- One-hour in-person judging session on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at either 9 or 11 a.m.
Judges will be provided with score sheets, clipboards, and pens, and supported by a session moderator to assist with timing and logistics.
Volunteers
Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles to assist with the smooth operation of the competition. Volunteer roles, responsibilities and time commitments are described in the volunteer registration form.
Training and day-of instructions for volunteers will be provided via e-mail.
Event Schedule
Preliminary Rounds
Two preliminary rounds will occur simultaneously in the Metzli Room and Visionary Suite in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. The top two presenters from each preliminary session will advance to the finals.
- 9 - 10 a.m.
- 11 a.m. - noon
Final Round
The final round will take place in the theater in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union from 1 - 3 p.m.
Awards Ceremony
Winners will be recognized on Friday March 6 during the SDSU Student Symposium Awards Ceremony in Montezuma Hall.
Event Format
- 3-minute oral presentation
- 1 PowerPoint slide (no transitions or animations)
- Live audience of peers, faculty, and community members
- Judges’ feedback and scoring after each presentation
Important Dates
- January 30, 2026: Graduate student participants must register to participate in the 2026 SDSU Grad Slam
- February 13, 2026: Judges must register by 5 p.m.
- February 24, 2026: Optional judge training session
- February 25, 2026: 2026 SDSU Grad Slam Preliminary and Final Rounds of competition
- March 6, 2026: 2026 SDSU Grad Slam winners announced during SDSU Student Symposium Awards Ceremony