Grad Slam
Sharing and celebrating graduate student research and creative work in accessible 3-minute talks
Grad Slam is a campus-wide competition for the best 3-minute graduate student presentation of a research, creative, or community engagement project. It's an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their communication skills. It is also an effective way to showcase the innovative research and creative work associated with graduate education at the University of Arizona.
Key Dates
Registration Period
October 15, 2025, through January 26, 2026 - Register today to secure your spot!
Competition Dates
All U of A sessions are open to the public.
- February 9, 2026 - Preliminary Rounds, Student Union Memorial Center, Sabino Room, 8 AM to 5:30 PM MST
- February 25, 2026 - Final Round, Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, Doors Open at 4 PM, Event Start at 4:30 PM MST, RSVP encouraged
- April 2026 (Date coming soon) - Western Association of Graduate Schools 3-Minute Thesis (3MT), Online: Grad Slam Winner or Finalist will represent U of A.
Information Sessions
- November 5, 9 AM MST. Register on Trellis.
- November 10, 12 PM MST. Register on Trellis.
- January 14, 4 PM MST, Register on Trellis.
- January 20, 9:30 AM MST, Register on Trellis.
Workshops
Workshops take place in person and on Zoom on Wednesdays starting January 14. Additional information and resources are available on the Preparing to Excel page.
- January 14, 11 AM to 12 PM MST: Tailoring Your Presentation to a Non-Specialist Audience, Graduate Center Room 102 and Zoom, Register on Trellis.
- January 21, 11 AM to 12 PM MST: Crafting a Memorable Message, Graduate Center Room 102 and Zoom, Register on Trellis.
- January 28, 11 AM to 12 PM MST: Visual Design Considerations, Graduate Center Room 102 and Zoom, Register on Trellis.
- February 4, 11 AM to 12 PM MST: Presentation Confidence, Body Language, and Vocal Variety, Graduate Center Room 102 and Zoom, Register on Trellis.
Presentation Practice Sessions
These sessions are dedicated time for Grad Slam participants to practice their presentations, get feedback, and ask questions. Time allowing, students may also practice other presentations.
- January 16, 9 AM to 10:30 AM MST, Graduate Center Room 102 and Zoom. RSVP encouraged.
- January 23, 9 AM to 10:30 AM MST, Graduate Center Room 102 and Zoom, RSVP encouraged.
- January 30, 9 AM to 10:30 AM MST, Graduate Center Room 102 and Zoom, RSVP encouraged.
- February 6, Time To Be Determined, Student Union Sabino Room, RSVP encouraged.
- February 13, 9 AM to 10:30 AM MST, Graduate Center Room 102 and Zoom, RSVP encouraged.
- February 20, 9 AM to 10:30 AM MST, Graduate Center Room 102 and Zoom, RSVP encouraged.
Why Participate
Learn about the benefits of presenting in Grad Slam, including the grand prizes.
Format, Rules, and Judging Criteria
Learn about the competition’s structure and expectations of presenters.
Grad Slam Judges
Learn more about what judges do, how they are selected, and how to become a judge.
Grad Slam Videos
View past Grad Slam finalist videos as well as other videos associated with the event, like the Grad Slam:
Research as Story short video.
Sponsors
University of Arizona Office of Research and Partnerships - Grad Slam Grand Prizes
University of Arizona Foundation - Final Round Post-Competition Reception
Want to sponsor Grad Slam (an award area or the event itself) or have additional questions? Contact David Bradshaw at bradshad@arizona.edu for more information.
Hosts
Grad Slam is hosted by the Graduate Center, the home of the Graduate College's student success initiatives and services.